The Year I Finally Stopped Financing Christmas—And How You Can Too!
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Hello, single mums! As Christmas and the holiday season approach, the familiar questions begin to swirl in our minds. How much can I realistically spend this year? Will I need to rely on my credit cards again? What if I can’t afford the gifts my children deserve? These thoughts often start showing up as early as September or October, bringing with them that all-too-familiar feeling of anxiety in the pit of your stomach.
I remember those seasons well. I used to dream of the day when I could proudly say that I made it through the holidays without financing a single thing. For a long time, I wasn’t sure that day would ever come. But then—slowly, quietly, almost unexpectedly—it did.
The holidays don’t just bring questions about whether we can afford gifts for our children, they also stir up concerns about all the extra expenses that come with the season. Holiday meals, winter clothing, family outings, work events, and countless little costs begin to pile onto our mental checklist. And the longer that list grows, the more anxiety creeps in. Soon we find ourselves weighing tough decisions, asking where we can cut back just to make sure our families have what they need.
But here’s the encouraging truth: it doesn’t have to be this way. One thing I’ve learned— and now teach to others—is that with the right planning, so much more is possible than you might think. So, let’s take a closer look at what that really means in five simple steps.
1. Start with your budget, not the gift list.
So often we map out the presents, parties, meals, and activities before we’ve even figured out what we can realistically afford. It’s a bit like buying a wedding dress before you’ve even been proposed to—exciting, but not practical.
If your goal is to stay out of debt this holiday season, begin by determining exactly how much you can spend. Once you know your true budget, every decision that follows becomes clearer and far more manageable.
2. Make an honest inventory of everything you plan to do this holiday season.
And yes, I mean everything. List out the gifts, the parties, the outfits, the special meals, and even the amount you plan to give to others. Getting it all out of your head and onto paper helps you see the full picture and make intentional choices instead of reactive ones.
3. Prioritize your spending based on what matters most.
Now that you know your total budget and everything on your holiday wish list, it’s time to decide what truly deserves your resources. In a perfect world, we’d buy every gift, attend every event, and contribute to every gathering—but when you’re working with a limited budget, you must choose what brings the most meaning to your life.
For me, I always start with my giving funds. I’ve been blessed in many ways, and I want to make sure I can bless others too.
4. Align your priorities with your budget.
Once your priorities are clear, match them to your available funds. You may find that certain activities or purchases simply don’t fit—and that’s perfectly okay. It’s far better to leave something out than to go into debt trying to do it all.
Learn how to say no when you need to. It is perfectly fine to say, “I’m sorry, I can’t afford that this year.” People will usually understand, and sometimes, if it’s truly important for them to have you involved, they may even offer to help. Accept it, there is nothing wrong with receiving a blessing when it comes your way.
5. Enjoy the season you thoughtfully designed—without guilt.
You’ve done the hard work: you created a realistic budget, prioritized what matters most, and set healthy boundaries when necessary. Now it’s time to enjoy the holiday season you intentionally planned. Let go of any guilt about what you didn’t buy or what you had to say no to. Instead, celebrate the peace that comes from living within your means. And most importantly, take pride in being able to say, “I did not finance my holidays this year.”
That is a powerful accomplishment. It reflects growth, strength, discipline, and a commitment to creating a better financial future for yourself and your family. Enjoy every moment—knowing you’ve given your loved ones not just gifts, but a more secure and abundant you.
Remember this: your children don’t understand the cost of things unless you teach them. What they do understand is love, presence, and the values you model. Consider taking them to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter to help serve others, let them see firsthand how blessed they truly are compared to those with far less. Shop at consignment stores or Goodwill, where many items are practically new; a holiday outfit can be dry cleaned and look just as beautiful as something purchased at a high-end store. And when it comes to food, choose more economical grocery options, even if it means packing your own bags.
Be intentional with every dollar you spend, and I promise—you can create an amazing, peaceful holiday season. Not because of what you buy, but because of the mindful, meaningful choices you make.
May you have a blessed holiday season, and may every dollar truly count this year. And remember—if you’re struggling with your finances as a single mother, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to help.
Schedule your 100% free discovery session with me here and let’s take the first step toward your financial peace and confidence together.
Download my FREE Guide: 5 Step Debt Reset for Single Mums