’Tis the Season… to Protect Your Sanity

Controlling Christmas spending isn’t just about money - it can really affect your mental health

by Kate, Armadillo

Christmas used to feel simple. When I was a kid, our family Christmases were brilliant - my older brothers would come home with their wives and ever-growing families, my mum made the best lunch, we all watched the same films the rest of the country was watching, and there was just so much laughter.

What we didn’t have was a mountain of expensive presents. I’d usually get one “big present” and a couple of smaller bits. My parents always made sure Santa delivered, but there weren’t many luxuries - and honestly? It was enough.

These days there’s so much pressure to deliver the “perfect” Christmas - perfect presents, perfect décor, perfect everything. And that pressure can mess with your head and your wallet. The good news? A calmer, happier Christmas is totally possible.

How Spending Stress Sneaks In

Financial Stress = More Anxiety. Overspending - or even just feeling like you’re meant to - can lead to:

• worrying about January bills

• guilt or shame about not being able to afford “enough”

• trouble sleeping

• tension or arguments at home

Comparing Yourself Online Lowers Self-Esteem. Seeing other people’s gifts, decor, or big celebrations can make you feel like you need to keep up. That often leads to:

• feeling “not good enough”

• pressure to spend more

• emotional exhaustion

Overcommitting Leads to Burnout. Christmas usually brings extra events, extra costs, and extra expectations. When your budget is stretched, your emotional energy often is too. You might notice:

• burnout

• irritability

• not enjoying traditions the way you used to

Why Spending Less Can Actually Boost Your Mental Health

✔️ More control = less stress Knowing what you can realistically afford makes everything feel calmer.

✔️ Spending that matches your values feels better. Thoughtful, low-cost traditions or gifts often bring more joy than expensive stuff.

✔️ Avoiding debt protects your mood. Starting the year without a financial hangover is a huge relief.

✔️ Saying “no” gives you breathing space. Setting boundaries around money and time gives you more energy for what actually matters.

Simple Ways to Help Both Your Wallet and Your Wellbeing

1. Set a budget that protects your mental health.

   Ask yourself: How much can I spend and still feel good in January?

   
   

2. Make a simple spending plan.

   List who you’re buying for and set a limit for each person.

   A tiny bit of tracking goes a long way.

   
   

3. Talk to your family and friends.

   Suggest Secret Santa, spending caps, or skipping adult gifts altogether. You’ll probably find everyone else is relieved.

   
   

4. Take breaks from social media.

   Ads and picture-perfect Christmas posts can make you feel like you’re falling behind — even when you’re not.

   
   

5. Consider low-cost, memory-making traditions.

   Walks, board games, baking, watching films, shared meals — these are the things people remember.

   
   

6. Notice when emotions are driving your spending.

   If you’re buying because you’re stressed, lonely, or guilty, pause and ask: Is this actually helping, or just distracting me?

   
   

7. Be kind to yourself.

   Christmas brings up a lot for people. You don’t need to create a flawless holiday — the people who love you care far more about you being okay than about perfect presents.