Conquering Holiday Shopping Stress
Around this time of year, we're often encouraged to "spread the holiday cheer" whether by hosting or attending festive gatherings, traveling to see loved ones, or buying gifts. However, the pressure to meet holiday expectations can quickly lead to overspending. This, in turn, often brings on more stress than anticipated. Understanding why you might be spending more and learning how to manage holiday stress can help you find a healthier balance during this busy holiday season.
Emotional Spending
The holiday season often stirs up a mix of emotions that can unknowingly influence how we spend money. The joy and excitement of the season can make us more likely to splurge on gifts for loved ones or even ourselves. On the flip side, shopping may serve as a way to cope with feelings of stress or loneliness. Emotional spending occurs when strong emotions drive us to make purchases without carefully considering whether they’re necessary or wise. This can include impulse buying or shopping out of boredom. While it might provide temporary relief from difficult emotions like sadness, anxiety, or isolation, emotional spending can ultimately take a toll on both your mental health and your finances.
Reflecting on Your Relationship with Money
Becoming more self-aware and intentional with your holiday spending can help you experience more joy without straining your budget—or your holiday spirit. Have you ever considered why you spend the way you do during the holidays? Our spending habits are often shaped by a combination of personal values, societal expectations, and childhood experiences. Psychologist Brad Klontz refers to these unconscious beliefs about money as "money scripts," which influence our financial behaviors. For instance, you might feel compelled to buy gifts to express love, or you might be overly cautious and struggle to spend money even when you can afford it. This holiday season, take a moment to reflect: What emotions arise when I think about holiday spending? Where do these feelings stem from? Understanding these patterns can help you create a healthier, more meaningful approach to holiday finances.
A New Way to Approach Holiday Spending
The holidays are a time to share joy through giving back, celebrating with loved ones, and embracing the spirit of the season. However, managing stress and balance is equally as important. Below are 10 tips to help you navigate holiday spending without losing your peace of mind!
Take a Pause! - Before making a purchase, step away from it and give yourself time to think. This can help you decide if this purchase is a genuine need or simply a momentary desire. Pro tip: Wait 24 hours. Chances are unnecessary purchases may lose their appeal after a short delay whether it's a few hours or even just 1 day.
Use Cash - Set a specific amount of cash for your shopping. If you have a set amount of money on you, it helps you to stick to a budget and signals when it’s time to stop spending once the cash runs out.
Reframe Your Perspective - You have the power to redefine what gift-giving means to you. This can look something like: Can you show or express your love through a thoughtful letter or homemade gift? Often, these gifts are just as meaningful as an expensive present.
Set a Spending Limit - Create a realistic holiday budget and stick to it! Write down all your planned expenses and be honest with yourself on whether you can afford it. This will help you to evaluate whether they align with what you can afford.
Communicate with Loved Ones - If you’re in a financial bind, have an honest conversation with your family or friends about scaling back gift exchanges or agree upon a budget-friendly amount of money you’re both comfortable spending. Pro tip: Suggest alternatives such as Secret Santa or shared experiences such as baking cookies or watching holiday movies together.
Practice Mindfulness - Mindfulness can help you to stay present and be more intentional with financial decisions. Try these Holiday Mindfulness Exercises:
Pause before Purchasing - Take a deep breath and ask yourself if the purchase aligns with your financial goals.
Practice Gratitude - Reflecting on and appreciating what you already have can reduce the urge to spend/buy more.
Check Your Emotions - Are you shopping out of necessity or is it a reaction to stress or other emotions?
Remove or Reduce Temptation - Limit exposure to shopping triggers by unsubscribing from promotional emails and texts, unfollowing store accounts on social media and deleting shopping apps from your phone.
Keep a Holiday Checklist - Put your thoughts on paper! Write down holiday tasks and gift ideas, then work to prioritize tasks. This helps you to stay organized, prioritize your spending and avoid impulsive purchases.
Be Kind to Yourself - Financial stress can bring up self-criticism. Instead of thinking, “I’m bad with money,” remind yourself that holiday stress is a shared experience. Practice self compassion and recognize that you’re doing your best.
Focus on What Matters Most - This year, challenge yourself to find joy in connection and traditions rather than material items. Sending thoughtful holiday cards to loved ones, participating in family traditions or volunteering can make the holiday season feel just as fulfilling, sometimes even more!
Know When to Reach Out for Support
The holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially if you're already navigating mental health challenges or other stressful life events. If you find yourself struggling to cope, feeling more irritable, or experiencing heightened loneliness, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Connecting with friends or family can provide comfort, but sometimes, professional support is essential to develop healthy coping strategies.
If you’re finding it difficult to manage holiday stress, consider reaching out to Scampton Counseling. We’re here to support you and help restore your holiday spirit!
