I have always LOVED the Holidays. I am one of those closet Christmas freaks who turns on the Carols in November, relishes the Holiday decorations at the mall and smiles my way through the Santa Claus parade.
However, one thing I tend to dread is Holiday shopping. The crowds, the pressure and the serious lack of Holiday spirit around me are contributors but the real reason is the major dent in my pocketbook. The Holidays are expensive!
For me, Holiday spending happens in 3 categories:
1.Gifts. This, of course, is the big one. As my kids get older they don’t ask for much but what they do want gets much more pricey. Add extended family and this can get steep.
2.Entertainment/Entertaining. This time of year is festive and so it should be! However, that means more meals out, festive spirits, Holiday dinners at home and at least a few seasonal outfits to carry me through.
3.The Extras. The tree and its trimmings are one thing but the kids being at home means a little more of everything – from keeping them busy to gangs of friends and keeping them all fed.
Trimming our tree last year.
This year I have a plan. Not only am I going to be more fiscally responsible and shop more frugally, but I am also still testing out my TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express. I’m eager to see how I feel about spending when I know I can earn some of it back.
I have a tendency to get caught up in the spirit of the season so we’ll see how my new frugal approach goes this year. I don’t want to spoil my fun but I think I can cut back quite a bit and still feel the warmth of the Holidays.
What about you? Do you approach the Holidays like Cindy Loo Hoo or The Grinch?
Amex TrueEarnings Card Tip: Holiday parties are less stressful on the budget with 3% cash back on restaurant spend. Plus, earn up to 2% cash back on gas for driving to visit family and up to 1% on all other spending.
This post is sponsored by the TrueEarnings Card from Costco and American Express. The experiences and opinions are my own.