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With record breaking triple digit temperatures, it may be hard to think about the holidays, but trust me they are fast approaching. At the time of writing this post we have 102 days until Thanksgiving and 133 days before Christmas swoops in.


Considering the rising interest rates, inflation, increased food and fuel prices, the holidays may feel a bit overwhelming. But just because the cost of living has gone up, doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget to celebrate the holidays.


Here’s how you can keep your sanity and your spending intact:

  1. Prepare ahead of time. Write down your holiday plans. What are your traveling expenses? Are you hosting guests at your home? What’s on the menu? For whom are you buying gifts? Once you list the specifics, calculate how much you are going to need and start making the necessary adjustments to your budget and savings. Also, the sooner you make your grocery and gift purchases, the better. This will allow time for you to compare prices and lessen the risk of items being sold out.
  2. Keep your emotions in check. It’s easy to get caught up in all the advertisements, store decorations, and holiday music, but stick to your plan. And don’t worry about what others are doing, you never know what type of stress and debt they are in.
  3. Ask for help. If you’re hosting dinner, don’t be ashamed to ask the attendees to pitch in by bringing a side dish or dessert. And it’s okay to downsize the menu, there’s no law that says you must have three different meats for holiday dinners. Also, you may even consider having a nontraditional menu. And if someone offers to help clean up, let them.

This holiday season try to relax and give yourself a break. Don’t expect perfection. Instead, focus on the things for which you are grateful and enjoy the opportunity to spend time with your family and friends.


“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~Mother Theresa