You’ve set your holiday budget (good for you!). But now you’re tempted by all things festive, and before you know it, you find yourself in a whirlwind of wrapping paper and overspending.

It happens to us all, but you don’t have to get caught in this trap. You just need to be aware of what’s coming and have a plan to stand against it. On the today’s post, I’m sharing the 4 most common holiday budget busters and how you can stop them in their tracks.

4 Common Holiday Budget Busters

1. Food

It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . for baking and feasting. For those who love making mini cinnamon loaves, giant roasts and cranberry everything this time of year, the grocery bill can get a little out of control if you aren’t careful.

How to beat this holiday budget buster: Meal plan! Create a list of all the holiday meals you’ll be preparing, parties you’ll be attending (and have to bring a dish to pass), and extra holiday baking. Put those ingredients on your shopping list and track all your food spending carefully (so you don’t go over budget!). If you know you’re going to spend more on food during December, either make a holiday food budget line item or beef up your grocery budget line.

2. Obligation Gifts

You get a gift. You give a gift. That’s just how it goes. Unfortunately, sometimes you’ll get a gift from a friend or coworker who’s not on your list—or in your budget. What’s a polite, etiquette-respecting person to do?

How to beat this holiday budget buster: Put a little padding in your gift budget, like an extra $50 for any forgotten or surprise gift needs. Another option is to buy a couple of small presents to have ready just in case. This way, you’ll be prepared for those moments and can enjoy the spirit of giving—without wasting money on mindless trinkets. (Use my Christmas Present Planner to help you prep for all your gift buying this year.)

3. Comparisons

Your sibling spends $300 on each of their kids, so you do too. The neighbors went all out with lights and decorations, so you splurge on your own yard. Your best friend bought you a gorgeous new necklace, so now you feel like you need to do the same.

How to beat this holiday budget buster: Guess who you need to impress this season? No. One. This is your money, your budget and your Christmas— don’t let comparisons steal your joy this holiday. Spend less time thinking about stuff and more time enjoying the true meaning of the season.     

4. The Spirit of Spending

Let’s be real with one another. Spending money during the holiday season is fun! All the gift buying, decorating, and treat baking gets a person in a merry mood!   

How to beat this holiday budget buster: This is another place you need to shift your mindset. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make the days merry and bright! Decorating with paper chains or popcorn string is thrifty and fun. Sticking to your holiday budget is going to be an incredible gift to yourself and your money goals.

It’s all about being intentional—plan ahead and shift the focus of the season from spending money to sharing some love.

Skip the budget busters! Be sure to grab my Christmas Present Planner to be intentional with your money this holiday season!