Christmas Covid Style, How to Slow Down and Spend Less

Quick pro tip: don't let your kids have access to your Amazon account, and make sure your husband knows how to use it. Recently my daughter put her Christmas wish list into the Amazon cart, which my husband then processed without checking first. Needless to say that delivery turned out to be more than the pair of jeans he ordered. Worse yet, opened the packages in front of her so she saw her Christmas presents. Then she begged to keep them and just have us buy more (by the way, that didn’t happen). Lesson learned…..

Which brings me to two of my favorite things: Christmas time and budgets. Did you know that the average American will spend $1000 this holiday season? Considering we are in the midst of a global pandemic and people are struggling not only financially but emotionally, now is the perfect time to slow down, simplify and take stock of what’s really important (spoiler alert, it’s not how many gifts you buy or how much money you spend). This year more than ever has me rethinking Christmas spending in a big way, and here are some ways you can still have a memorable Christmas without going into debt to do it (for the love, PLEASE do not do that!)

If you have kids, have all of your family members draw a name to play Secret Santa instead of buying gifts for everyone and put a limit on what you can spend. We’ve done this the last few years with our 3 kids and it’s quickly become one of their favorite things. Not only do they get to think up the perfect gift for their recipient, they also get to help shop for it and help wrap it. It brings them such a sense of purpose and joy to watch their gift being opened knowing it was thoughtful and from the heart. Bonus: this will also save you some serious $. Also, my kids do help create something sentimental for the grandparents but it never breaks the bank, Some past ideas have been picture calendars, coupon books and framed artwork.

If you have friends, siblings or coworkers that you have exchanged with in the past, consider having a conversation with them. Let’s be honest, no one enjoys stressing over trying to find the "perfect" reasonably priced gift, and if you are simply telling them what to buy you, what's the point of that. Most of the time they will be as relieved as you are for taking that off their stressful plate.

Since most of us are stuck at home this holiday season and likely not going to be with loved ones, why not start some family traditions of your own? It’s the perfect time to introduce some old fashioned fun mixed in with new traditions. This year we made cards for our local nursing home and dropped them off with some store bought cookies for the residents. It was a fun project that got my kids asking questions and being mindful of how others will be spending the holidays. And let’s be honest, it kept them off their damn devices for just a bit longer and we all enjoyed spreading a little holiday joy. My son and I also rang the bell for the Salvation army at a local grocery store. We had a blast spreading some holiday cheer and raising money for a great cause, and it didn't cost us a thing.

Making cookies and baking Christmas goodies to share has always been a family favorite over here. If I’m being totally honest baking isn’t my jam, but my kids love it and can actually find their way around a KitchenAid like a boss. Not to brag, but they quite possibly could be in the running for the BEST chocolate chip cookies known to man. These are LEGIT. Good luck saving any for Santa.

Decorating the Christmas tree as a family. As a slightly type A borderline control freak, it used to drive me crazy letting the kids decorate the tree. I mean, SYMMETRY AND ORDER, people. As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to love watching them find their ornaments and hang them one by one, even if they are all bunched together and lopsided. The gaudy handmade ones and all…..trust me, those will end up being some of your very favorites.