Christmas is six weeks away, and some folks may already be feeling the stress.

The holidays should be a time of spiritual reflection and reconnection with family and friends…but too often, we lose sight of that in the quest for perfection. Crystal Paine is here to help us stay focused on the actual “reason for the season.”

Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most.

1. Start with a Christmas Budget

One of the best ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday is by setting up a Christmas budget. A budget is like a set of guardrails—it keeps you on track, preventing you from overspending or going into debt. Here’s a simple way to create one:

Determine Your Total Spending Limit: Decide how much you can comfortably spend this season.
List Your Recipients: Write down everyone you’re buying for and assign a spending amount for each.
Track Your Spending: Use a spreadsheet or the FaithFi app to keep a running total of your spending.

By creating a budget, you’ll know exactly what you have left to spend without sacrificing your financial well-being for the New Year.

2. Plan Your Holiday Shopping

If you tend to overspend during holiday sales, using cash-only or prepaid gift cards is a great way to ensure you stick to your budget. Here are some extra tips:

Shop with Gift Cards: Consider using Amazon or store-specific gift cards to control spending.
Use Deal Sites: Websites like MoneySavingMom.com and RetailMeNot.com offer deals and coupons.
Best Shopping Times: Black Friday week and the following two weeks are generally the best time to find the deals you’re looking for.

With some planning, you can keep your shopping affordable and enjoyable.

3. Keep Holiday Cooking Manageable

Holiday cooking can be a joy, but it can also become a significant source of stress. It’s advised that you embrace shortcuts where possible:

Use Pre-Made Ingredients: Don’t feel guilty about using store-bought cookie dough or other pre-made items. Sometimes, it’s just as affordable as homemade.
One Baking Night: Consider dedicating one evening to bake as a family. Let each person choose one recipe and enjoy the process together without the burden of constant baking all month.

These small changes can bring balance to your holiday kitchen, making it a time of joy rather than stress.

4. Share the Hosting Responsibilities

If you’re hosting family or friends, don’t be afraid to ask guests to contribute. Include a note in your invitation encouraging each family to bring a dish. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also makes the event more collaborative and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Make a Family “December Bucket List”

To bring your family closer during the holiday season, consider creating a “December Bucket List.” Here’s an example:

Each Family Member Chooses an Activity: Whether it’s a movie night, baking cookies, or a trip to see Christmas lights, everyone gets a say.
Add It to the Calendar: Schedule these events to create special memories without feeling overwhelmed.

This approach ensures everyone has a voice and the season feels special without overloading your calendar.

6. Keep Christ the Center of Christmas

Above all, remember the reason for the season. Using an Advent calendar or devotional is an excellent way to keep the focus on Christ for you and your family. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp is a fantastic advent devotional if you’re looking for a resource for your family to go through this Christmas season. Each day includes a devotional and an ornament symbolizing the story of Christ.

This daily ritual not only reminds everyone why we celebrate but also keeps the true spirit of Christmas in the heart of your home.

As we approach Christmas, let’s aim to make it a season of joy and reflection rather than stress. With a budget, some planning, and a focus on Christ, we can enjoy a holiday that brings peace, love, and lasting memories.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

My son and daughter-in-law have adopted four Ukrainian children who are now teenagers and looking for college scholarships. I remember someone previously calling your program and mentioning a resource for finding scholarships that have yet to be widely applied, but I didn't write down the details. Do you have any recommendations for where we can find those types of lesser-known scholarship opportunities?
I was told about a Morgan Stanley mutual fund investment that supposedly pays $12,000 per year. It sounds too good to be true. What is your opinion on this, and are there any similar low-risk investments you would recommend?
I applied for Social Security benefits after my divorce, but the process has been frustrating. The Social Security office didn't provide all the information I needed up front, and now I'm facing delays getting the required marriage certificate from New York. I would like to know if I can use an old pay stub with my Social Security information to resolve this before they remove me from the system. What do you suggest I do?
I'm faithfully paying off a credit card debt of around $8,000 that I took on after the death of my mother. I'm currently paying $320 per month. My wife is willing to help me pay this off once she finishes paying off her own credit card. Should I stay the course with the $320 monthly payments or look into rolling over the debt and opening a new credit card with a balance transfer option?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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