How to navigate the holiday hustle to avoid that debt hangover

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Q: It’s a month before Christmas and my husband and I are starting to scramble. We moved into a new home this year and offered to host both of our families for the big day. Counting our newest little niece, who arrived last week, and all of her cousins, there will be about 23 of us getting together to celebrate. But with work and some holiday events for our kids, never mind figuring out gifts and then all the shopping, decorating, and cooking – we’re a little panicked that we took on too much. What can we do? ~Erin 

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A: The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration, but when you’re hosting a large family gathering in a new home it can also become a source of stress and anxiety. With work commitments, children’s holiday events, and all of the preparations for Christmas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with a month left before the big day, there’s still time for purposeful planning, budgeting, and delegating to pull off a memorable and enjoyable season for everyone.

To ensure that your new year doesn’t begin with a holiday hangover, recognize that you don’t have to do everything alone. Involving your loved ones not only divvies up the work, but it also means that everyone has a hand in creating the celebration, taking the pressure off you to create the perfect event.

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Start by creating a master plan that includes all tasks — shopping, decorating, cooking, gift wrapping, and what’s needed for events you plan to attend. Break these down into manageable steps and delegate responsibilities to family members. Kids can help with age-appropriate tasks like decorating, baking, wrapping, or setting the table, older relatives might assist with cooking and shopping, or arrange carpooling for your kids’ events. Here are tips to help you create your plan.

Outline your budget

When life gets busy or you feel like things are spinning out of control, regain calm in the chaos with a budget. Start by reviewing your master plan to determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on gifts, food, decorations, and other important items for your family. This way, you can avoid facing unaffordable credit card bills in January. If you’ve never created a holiday budget before, begin by allocating funds to your family’s most essential expenses. If your list exceeds what you can reasonably afford, find ways to cut costs. For example, scale back gift-giving for everyone you’re hosting and make the experience itself your gift to them. Alternatively, organize a gift exchange to reduce the number of gifts you need to buy or ask family members to contribute ingredients for the meal and snacks. Remember, many hands make light work, and even Santa has his elves.

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Efficient shopping and gift management

When you’re feeling the pinch, save time by shopping online and using delivery services. If you need to shop in person, try visiting stores during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and parking challenges. Create a shared shopping list with your spouse by using an app to help avoid impulse buys and duplicate purchases. Black Friday and Cyber Monday can offer great deals if you plan your purchases in advance. To scale back family gift-giving, consider planning a fun activity around the tree for after the gifts are opened. Start a new tradition by playing a board game together, doing a puzzle, setting up a video game duel, or watching a holiday movie before friends and family arrive.

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Simplify meal prep and decorating

Cooking for a large group can be a daunting task, requiring a plan all its own. Simplify your preparations by asking family and friends to bring a dish that complements the basics you’re making. This approach not only lightens your load but also adds a variety of flavours and traditions to your table. Prepare as much of the meal ahead of time as possible and opt for dishes that can be frozen and reheated. Remember, the goal is to create cherished memories, not stress; the friendly cheer around the table will be cherished far more than an elaborate meal.

Meal Planning Isn’t Just for the Holidays

When it comes to decorations, focusing on a few key areas can make a big impact without overwhelming you. A well-decorated tree, a festive table, a welcoming entranceway, or a charming Christmas village scene across the mantle can set the holiday mood effectively. For an added touch, consider holiday candles or a simmering pot with citrus, spices, or essential oils to create a traditional, festive scent.

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Set realistic expectations

Navigating the holidays with the understanding that perfection isn’t the goal can be liberating. Focus on the essence of the holidays, which is about togetherness and creating memories, not flawless decorations or perfectly wrapped gifts. Encourage setting realistic goals for what can be accomplished and embrace imperfections; sometimes these lead to the most cherished memories. Celebrate the effort and intention behind holiday preparations more than the outcome, and prioritize activities that foster connection, like watching a favourite holiday movie or going for a walk to see the lights. Openly communicate the importance of a relaxed, joyful atmosphere over a perfect one, and practice mindfulness and gratitude to appreciate the present moment. With this approach, the true spirit of the holidays can shine through.

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The bottom line on navigating holiday hustle and stress

The true spirit of the holidays lies in the warmth and connection we share with our loved ones. Hosting a large family gathering can be a joy rather than a stressor with the right planning and mindset. By delegating tasks, budgeting wisely, and focusing on what truly matters, you can create a memorable and enjoyable holiday for everyone.

Related reading: 

How to Get Through Holiday Spending While Repaying Debt 

Practical Tips to Avoid Debt During the Holiday Season

Don’t Let High Food Costs Overshadow Holiday Gatherings

Peta Wales is President and CEO of the Credit Counselling Society, a non-profit organization. For more information about managing your money or debt, contact Peta by email, check nomoredebts.org or call 1-888-527-8999. 

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