I love Thanksgiving almost as much as I love Christmas. There’s just something about the family time and the official kickoff to the whole holiday season that feels extra cozy and magical. But with the start of the season also comes more pressure, higher expectations, and countless opportunities to spend crazy amounts of money on everything from plane tickets to monogrammed organic cotton napkins.
Set Healthy Boundaries
My good friend Dr. John Delony always encourages people to decide in advance what their holiday boundaries are going to be, and then be firm about them. This will help you not cave to the unnecessary expectations we can often place on ourselves (or others can place on us) during the holidays. And you can set boundaries around all kinds of things—like time, technology, and money—that will then inform the choices you make throughout the season.For example, visiting family is important, but if you’re trying to get out of debt and already planning to travel to see your family for Christmas, maybe you choose to stay home for Thanksgiving. Or maybe your idea of the perfect holiday is one where everyone is talking and genuinely connecting, so you set a “no phones allowed” rule for the day.
![Generosity can be creative and doesn't have to cost a lot of money. (Marie C Fields/Shutterstock)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F17%2Fid5531518-shutterstock_107861219.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Stick to Your Budget
Speaking of money boundaries, don’t let yourself head into the holiday season without having a monthly budget in place. Now, all you Black Friday shoppers, hear me out. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t spend money—it just means you tell your money where to go by deciding in advance how much you’re going to spend and what you’re going to spend it on. Then you actually have the freedom to spend that money without the headaches and stress that come with accidentally overspending!Prioritize Generosity
My dad always says generosity is the most fun you can have with money, and I agree. And while we should make giving part of our budget year-round, this is such a special time to be intentional about blessing others. So brainstorm some creative ways you can give your money, time, and talents. If you have a spouse and kids, involve them in this process too, and enjoy all the fun that comes with an others-focused perspective.![A gratitude journal is a great way to keep sight of what you're thankful for. (JLco Julia Amaral/Shutterstock)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F17%2Fid5531519-shutterstock_2300488785.jpg&w=1200&q=75)