holidays

How to Handle the Holiday Chaos Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Ah, the holidays. That magical time of year when twinkling lights fill the streets, Mariah Carey belts out “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on repeat, and somehow, you’re supposed to be overflowing with joy and holiday cheer. But let’s be real for a second—does anyone actually feel that way 24/7 during December?

For many of us, the holidays are more of an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and the next, you’re staring at your bank account like, “How did I spend that much on wrapping paper?” Throw in family drama, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to make everything perfect, and it’s no wonder the holidays can feel more stressful than magical.

The good news? You don’t have to let the chaos win. Here’s how to tackle the holiday season without losing your sanity—or your savings.

Admit It: The Holidays Are Complicated, and That’s Okay

Let’s start by getting one thing straight: It’s perfectly normal to have mixed feelings during this time of year. Sure, you might love decorating cookies or watching The Holiday for the millionth time, but you can still feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even a little sad. Maybe you’re dealing with grief, missing loved ones, feeling lonely, or just stressed about how to afford all the gifts on your list.

Instead of trying to force yourself to feel “holly jolly” all the time, give yourself permission to feel what you feel. If that means crying over a Hallmark movie or hiding in the bathroom during a family gathering for five minutes of peace, so be it. (No judgment here—been there, done that.)

Set Boundaries Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)

You don’t have to say yes to every cookie exchange, holiday party, or Secret Santa gift swap. In fact, saying “no” might be the best gift you give yourself this year.

If Aunt Karen insists on hosting her annual 5-hour holiday dinner complete with awkward political debates, feel free to skip it—or at least leave early. Politely decline invitations that feel like too much, and don’t feel guilty about protecting your energy. The holidays are supposed to be enjoyable, not a marathon of obligations.

And yes, this also applies to your finances. Can’t afford to buy gifts for every single person you know? Try suggesting a gift exchange or making thoughtful DIY presents. The people who matter most will understand—and if they don’t, maybe they’re the ones who deserve a lump of coal.

Tackle the Holiday Budget Without Breaking a Sweat

Nothing kills holiday cheer faster than checking your bank account on January 2nd and realizing you’ve blown through your savings. To avoid this, take a minute to map out a realistic holiday budget.

Here’s the secret: The holidays are not about how much you spend. Set a spending cap for gifts, travel, decorations, and food, and stick to it. Get creative with your gift-giving. Instead of splurging on fancy gadgets, consider experiences like a homemade dinner or a heartfelt handwritten note (yes, people do still appreciate those).

And if you’re prone to impulse-buying during those “holiday sales,” remember: Not every deal is a good deal. Your future self will thank you when your credit card bill doesn’t give you a heart attack.

Manage the Emotional Chaos With a Little Self-Care

The holidays are full of people reminding you to “take care of everyone else,” but let me remind you of something equally important: take care of YOU.

Feeling overwhelmed? Take a walk, do some yoga, or binge-watch your favorite HULU show guilt-free. Feeling lonely? Reach out to a friend, volunteer, or attend a community event. Feeling nostalgic or sad? Lean into those feelings—sometimes a good cry or journaling session can be more healing than pretending everything’s fine.

Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a quiet moment with a cup of tea and a deep breath can do wonders when the holiday chaos gets too loud.

Focus on What Actually Matters

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about the perfect tree, the prettiest gifts, or how many Instagram-worthy moments you can create. They’re about connection—whether that’s with family, friends, or even yourself.

So, skip the pressure to make everything Pinterest perfect. Focus on what truly brings you joy, whether that’s baking cookies with your kids, having a glass of wine with a close friend, or just taking a nap while everyone else battles for parking spots at the mall.

You’ve Got This

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By managing your emotions, setting clear boundaries, and keeping your finances in check, you can make it through this season with your sanity (mostly) intact.

So, here’s to a holiday season that feels a little lighter, a little less stressful, and a lot more real. You deserve it.

Now, go grab that hot cocoa—you’ve earned it.

How to Overcome Money Obstacles During the Holiday Season

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

Ah, the holidays—the season of joy, laughter, and…let’s be honest, financial stress. Between gift shopping, travel expenses, and countless “treat yourself” moments, it’s easy to find yourself in a spending spiral. But don’t let your holiday cheer get buried under a pile of receipts. With a little creativity and planning, you can sidestep those money obstacles and truly enjoy the season.

And if you find yourself already behind the eight ball, use these ideas to stay ahead of the game next year!

Redefine What “Gifting” Means

Spoiler alert: not all gifts come from a store. Some of the most cherished presents are those with a personal touch. Instead of splurging on pricey items, try:

  • DIY gifts: Bake cookies, make scented candles, or put together a “movie night” basket with popcorn and a classic DVD.
  • Acts of service: Offer to babysit for a friend, help a family member with a home project, or share your professional skills as a unique gift.
  • Shared experiences: Plan a cozy potluck or game night instead of exchanging gifts. Memories outlast material things.

Get Real with Your Budget

Think of your holiday spending as a big puzzle—everything has to fit, or the picture doesn’t come together. Start by:

  1. Listing every expense: Include gifts, decorations, groceries, travel, and even your morning latte habit.
  2. Setting limits: Decide how much you can afford in total, then break it down by category. Then stick to it!
  3. Tracking as you go: Apps like Mint or YNAB can help you stay on top of your spending in real time.

A helpful tip: Stick to cash or a debit card for holiday shopping. It’s harder to overspend when you’re working with physical dollars.

Flip FOMO on Its Head

The holidays are prime territory for FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Sales, parties, and social media feeds bursting with festive luxury can make it seem like everyone is living large. But here’s the truth: the most valuable moments don’t come with a price tag.

Instead of falling into the comparison trap:

  • Practice gratitude: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. It’ll keep your focus on what truly matters.
  • Make your own traditions: Start a “holiday lights walk” in your neighborhood or host a movie marathon with friends. Fun doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Reframe Your Mindset About Giving

If you’ve ever thought, I need to spend more to show I care, it’s time for a holiday reality check. True generosity isn’t about the size of your wallet—it’s about the intention behind your actions.

  • Focus on meaning: Write heartfelt notes to your loved ones. A letter explaining why you appreciate someone can be more impactful than the priciest gift.
  • Teach your kids (and yourself): Use the holiday season to teach children about thoughtful giving and budgeting. You’ll be creating future money-savvy adults.

Plan Now, Celebrate Later

Planning is your best friend during the holidays. Think of it as your secret weapon for dodging those January blues when the credit card bill arrives.

  • Start shopping early: Sales happen year-round, so keep an eye out for deals well before December.
  • Use sinking funds: Save a little each month throughout the year specifically for holiday expenses. Even $20 a month adds up to $240 by the end of the year.
  • Say “no” when needed: It’s okay to skip the third Secret Santa exchange if it doesn’t fit your budget. Boundaries are a gift to yourself.

The holidays don’t have to be a financial free-for-all. By embracing creativity, sticking to a plan, and shifting your mindset, you can make this season about connection and joy—not credit card debt.

The spirit of the holidays isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how much you love, share, and create meaningful memories.

This year, let go of the financial stress and focus on what truly matters. You might even discover a few new traditions along the way.

Here’s to a holiday season full of cheer—and zero financial regret!

Ho Ho Ho or No No No

/ Yvonne / Leave a comment

I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by! It feels like just yesterday we were setting goals, making plans, and envisioning what 2024 would look like. And yet, here we are, nearing the holiday season, reflecting on all the things that went well and, let’s be honest, the plans that didn’t exactly pan out. So, as the end of the year draws near, I’m making a conscious choice not to go into the holidays without a plan. How about you?

For so many of us, this season is filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of wonder that lights up our hearts. But we know that’s not the case for everyone. For some, it brings feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness. This time of year, even amid festive lights and cheerful carols, can be challenging for those carrying emotional weight. And I believe that’s all the more reason to approach the holidays with intention and care. Let’s talk about how we can all prepare for the upcoming season—whether it’s the best time of the year for you or one you’re a little hesitant to face.

Before jumping into holiday prep, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. What moments from this year stand out to you? What brought you joy, and what challenges helped you grow? Taking time to acknowledge these moments can offer a sense of closure on the year, making it easier to move into the holidays with clarity and gratitude. Write these reflections down, or share them with someone close—it’s a beautiful way to honor the year that’s nearly behind us.

A lot of us set intentions at the start of a new year, but the holiday season is a fantastic time to do the same. Setting an intention—whether it’s to slow down, spend more time with loved ones, or take better care of yourself—can help you create a meaningful experience. Maybe your intention is simply to be present, appreciating the small, fleeting moments of joy that often slip by unnoticed. Or perhaps it’s about reconnecting with loved ones, strengthening bonds, and making memories.

Think about what you want to prioritize this season. And here’s a little tip: write it somewhere you’ll see every day. This gentle reminder can help you stay grounded and focused, even when things get busy.

Plans don’t have to be grand or complicated to make the holiday season feel special. Sometimes, it’s as simple as committing to a quiet night in or setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself. This could mean deciding which gatherings you want to attend, identifying a few people you’d like to reconnect with, or setting aside days specifically for rest.

A holiday plan could also be as practical as budgeting for gifts, so you can enjoy giving without financial stress. Or, it could involve mapping out a self-care routine if the season is overwhelming for you. Whatever it looks like, having a plan can help ease some of the holiday pressure, allowing you to focus more on what truly matters to you.

The holidays can bring out a mix of emotions, and sometimes, we can feel guilty if we’re not as happy as we think we “should” be. Know that it’s okay to experience the season in your own way. Take time for yourself when you need it. That might mean saying no to certain events or stepping away from social media if it’s adding stress. Remember, joy doesn’t have to be forced. Give yourself permission to enjoy the season in ways that genuinely fill you up.

For many, giving back is one of the most fulfilling parts of the holiday season. If you’re looking for ways to spread some joy, consider how you can support those in your community. It might be through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who’s having a tough time. Giving doesn’t have to be extravagant or costly—it’s often the small acts of kindness that mean the most.

Above all, let’s make this season about gratitude. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or a beautiful winter sunset, savor these moments. They’re gifts in themselves, often unnoticed in the rush of daily life.

Let’s also remember to check in on each other. A quick call, a thoughtful text, or a coffee date can make a world of difference, especially to someone who might be feeling a little lonely. Connection doesn’t have to be elaborate; it just has to be genuine.

Join me this Wednesday 11/6 @ 8pm cst for the Find Your Wise Podcast where we dive deeper into preparing for the holidays.

https://www.youtube.com/@FindYourWisePodcast/streams