Thrifty Thinking: How to Save Money and Find Meaning in the Holiday Season

The holidays can be a notoriously stressful time. With so many gift expenses to keep track of— not to mention gift wrapping and party planning—things can get overwhelming fast. Sometimes the best way you can give yourself (and your wallet!) a break is by shifting the focus of the season to things other than a laundry list of gifts to buy. 

One great way to do this is to set aside some time to discuss the holidays as a family. Instead of simply asking your kids what they want for Christmas, why not spend some time having some meaningful holiday-themed discussions? Asking your kids questions like what their favorite holiday tradition is or how they’d most like to spend time together during winter break is a simple but impactful way to find more meaning in the season. 

To help you get started, print out these holiday conversation starter cards and throw them all in a bowl. Gather your family and take turns drawing cards and answering whatever conversation starter is drawn. Not only does this make for a fun family activity, but it encourages your children to think more deeply about what the holidays mean to them and the things they enjoy doing as a family. Win-win! 

Continuing in the spirit of finding more meaning in the season—and giving your wallet a breather—is finding fun gift alternatives that encourage quality time over purchasing a long list of items for your kids. These printable gift coupons are a fun way to squeeze in more time together as a family, and give your kids not only something to look forward to, but also one of the greatest gifts you can give them—your time! Kids can cash in these coupons for a homemade dessert, a family game night, or a visit to their favorite restaurant. You can use the coupons with your partner, too—coupons like a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening or a romantic dinner at home are an excellent way to get intentional about spending quality time together during a time where things can feel hectic. 

When it comes to making the holidays memorable, remember that it’s not about what you buy, but who you’re with. Of course, it’s still possible to buy gifts for your loved ones without burning a hole in your wallet, so long as you spend wisely, plan ahead, and stick to your spending limit. Use this gift planning checklist and budget tracker to keep a list of who you’re buying gifts for and each person’s spending target.

 

As crazy as the holiday season can be, choosing to be intentional about how you spend both your money and your time can make all the difference in creating a more meaningful holiday.