Manage financial stress during christmas
Here at the MWCC Blog, I am continuing Holiday season themed content that is going to help you maintain your mental health while navigating the holiday season. Last week on the blog, a survival guide to the holiday season was provided with helpful tips that could be implemented immediately. Today we will be discussing some tips to manage financial stress during this holiday season. The holiday season may be a joyful time for most, but can be trigger for some, particularly who already have a mental health diagnosis. The holiday season can add financial pressure due to gift giving obligations.
If you are someone who is triggered by Christmas and the gift giving obligation, have more names on your gift list then money, attach our worth to your gift giving capabilities, or just do not have the financial resources to give and meet your basic necessities, these tips will be helpful in maintaining your mental health and navigating this Christmas with less stress.
Four Tips to Manage Financial Stress during christmas
Set realistic expectations for yourself as the giver and receiver. This should be in the form of a budget or spending plan. Item lines to consider adding into your spending plan may include gifts (with a limit), travel expenses, decorations, and food. This spending plan will allow you to feel more in control of your spending, in turn reducing additional stress.
Reduce the stress of actual gift giving. Reduce or eliminate the stress of gift giving by simply asking what someone wants. You may even go a step further to state your budget and then ask the person receiving the gift if they have anything in that range. Keeping things as simple as possible, particularly around gift giving will prevent added stress.
Set “gift giving” boundaries and limitations. I personally do not purchase or give gifts to family and friends that I most likely will not see on Christmas day or only see on Christmas Day. If extended family will be present for the holiday for dinner, maybe, I purchase smaller gifts such as hand sanitize or lotions or other useful “knicknacks”.
Prioritize yourself and self care. Despite the family gatherings, holiday parties, and socializing that comes with the holiday season, you and your mental health should remain the priority even more so. Being intentional with your downtime, taking time off from work, long hot baths, enjoying time with friends and family, caroling are just a few ways to practice self care. Incorporating routine self care and prioritizing yourself is going to be as important, if not more, than any person on your Christmas list.
Christmas is only a few weeks away but these tips can be implemented as soon as today to assist with managing financial stress from the Christmas Holiday.
If you or someone you know resonates with the information shared in this article and would like to attend therapy to take your mental health to mental wellness and are a resident of NC, SC, VA, or MD you can click here to see my rates and/or the insurance I accept. You can click here to schedule a consultation or Initial Evaluation.
Disclaimer: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but I am not YOUR Licensed Clinical Social Worker. These blog posts are based on my personal opinions, reflections, and insights and are not intended to be taken as professional therapeutic intervention(s) and/or advice. Further, please note these blogs are not intended to serve as and/or replace formal counseling services. If you are in need or interested in taking part in direct therapeutic services, please contact your insurance provider’s customer service for assistance. You may also consult website such as (but not limited to) Psychology Today and Therapy for Black Girls to find a therapist. If you are located in NC, MD, SC, or VA and would like to work with me, click here to ensure I accept your insurance or check my rates and here to schedule an appointment.
