Spending Less Doesn’t Make You a Grinch—It Can Bring Joy
In the holiday season, it’s easy to get bedazzled by deals and sales and ads and caught up in the whirlwind of gift-giving, hosting or going out for elaborate dinners, and lighting your home to attract attention from other planets. There’s an inclination to express affection and friendship through spending. Does it make you seem like a Grinch if you cut back? Know that almost everyone is feeling some greater financial pressure at this moment, so perhaps we can trust our friends and family to understand. There is an argument that says spending less and saving more can be one of the wisest and most joyful decisions you make this season.
It’s a good time to challenge the notion that happiness comes from price tags. Traditions aren’t built on expensive gifts or extravagant parties—they’re built on shared experiences and meaningful connections. When you focus less on spending, you make more room for creativity, intention, and genuine care in your celebrations.
Spending less doesn’t have to be Scrooge-like, and there are benefits:
Financial Peace: Overspending leads to debt and stress, making it hard to enjoy the festivities.
Finding Value Beyond Stuff: The most memorable moments rarely come from what’s wrapped under the tree or stashed in Tupperware. Laughter, shared meals, and heartfelt conversations matter much more than cashmere sweaters and new tech toys.
Blaze a Trail: When you choose to spend wisely, you show your kids, friends, and family that joy doesn’t have a price tag and that it’s okay to prioritize long-term security over short-term splurges.
It’s not easy, but these tips can help:
Lean Into DIY Gifts: Homemade treats, handwritten cards, or photo albums are personal and thoughtful—and often appreciated more than mass-marketed items.
Do Casual Gatherings: Potlucks, board game nights, or outdoor activities bring people together without a hefty price tag.
Get Out: Plan a walk, run, or hike; go see holiday lights, volunteer together, or start a family tradition like a movie marathon.
Nothing says joy like budgeting.
Well, maybe not joy exactly, but December often surfaces a “what the heck,” approach. That approach almost always gets followed by the “what was I thinking” January moment. If you can, set limits for categories like gifts, travel, and entertainment. Sticking to your budget will help you avoid debt and keep your savings intact.
You can use December as a springboard to establish or grow your retirement savings and an emergency fund. Double down on your contribution to your savings because that is a gift that will keep on giving, with interest.
Choosing to spend less doesn’t make you a Grinch or Scrooge; it makes you intentional, responsible, and ready to enjoy the true spirit of the holidays. Give yourself permission to save more and rediscover the joy that comes from simplicity, gratitude, and authentic connection.
"What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." -The Grinch