By: Dr. Bernadette Anderson

Season’s greetings! The air is crisp with the promise of snow, the sound of familiar carols fills your heart with joy, a cozy fire crackles, and you can almost taste the homemade cookies. Ah, the holiday season — a time for warmth, connection, and, unfortunately for many, a touch of financial frostbite and emotional vulnerability.

As a physician, I’m acutely aware of how the glitz and demands of this time of year can affect our well-being. We get wrapped up in the twinkling lights, joyful get-togethers, and the cheer of the season — feeling the excitement and anticipation. Yet, beneath the surface of these celebrations exists a reality familiar to many, one not captured in holiday cards — that holiday spending can take a toll on our emotional health and finances. For some, this may even mean making heart-wrenching choices, such as skipping essential medications, just to take part in gift-giving. 

Amid holiday planning, you may be feeling — consciously or subconsciously – the weight of expectations on your shoulders. There’s no better moment than the present to unwrap these unspoken challenges and gift yourself a way to ensure your emotional and financial well-being shines as brilliantly as the season’s lights.

Sleigh Bells, Selfies, and Sentiment: A Portrait of Holiday Expectations

Pursuing a joyful holiday season should not come at the cost of peace of mind. The atmosphere, heightened by festive advertisements and media portrayals, ushers in a unique blend of eagerness and pressure. We’re compelled to craft unforgettable experiences, to delight loved ones with gifts that seem to magically appear from sleighs and to host gatherings that rival scenes from a Hallmark movie. And, the demand to have homes perfectly decorated and tables overflowing with food can be downright daunting.

The belief that grandiose holiday celebrations equate to greater happiness and accomplishment is further amplified by social media. People selectively curate and share their most extraordinary moments, sparking silent competition and fostering pervasive comparisons. Regrettably, this contributes to a sense of inadequacy and the struggle to conform to unattainable ideals, worlds apart from real-life experiences. Moreover, it often exacts a toll on one’s financial and mental stability.

Cultural and familial traditions, while rich in sentimental value, add a layer of expectations during the holiday season. While traditions connect us to our heritage and offer a sense of continuity, they can impose additional responsibilities, such as the stress of maintaining elaborate celebrations and adhering to specific customs despite financial and time constraints. 

Budgeting for Emotional Wellness

All too often, we dive into the holiday season with open arms and generous wallets, ready to delve into our savings and rack up charges that will linger long after the decorations are packed away. This enthusiasm can dampen the allure of holidays, turning this holly-jolly time into one marked with anxiety, self-doubt, and exclamations of bah humbug! However, a well-thought-out budget can be your guiding star to avoid overspending and hefty credit card bills in January, and beyond.

• Set your financial compass: Draft a comprehensive budget that outlines your income and expenses for the holiday period. Allocate specific amounts to different categories, such as gifts, decorations, travel, and entertainment. This detailed plan will serve as your financial compass.
• Establish spending expectations: It’s vital to establish open and honest communication with your loved ones about spending limits and expectations. By sharing your budgetary boundaries, you can avoid the stress of financial surprises and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Limit impulse buying: Stick to your budget and be cautious of impulse purchases prompted solely by sales or advertising pressure. Thoughtful spending, guided by your predetermined budget, can protect your financial well-being.
• Track spending: Keep a close eye on your expenses throughout the holiday season and adjust as needed. Regularly reviewing your financial activity can help you stay on course and prevent overspending.
• Leverage discounts and deals: Holiday shopping often brings a plethora of special promotions. Take advantage of major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which offer substantial discounts on a wide range of products, helping you to find great deals without breaking the bank.
• Avoid the debt trap: While using credit cards can be convenient, high-interest credit card debt can lead to financial stress and emotional turmoil well into the new year. Pay with cash whenever possible to prevent accumulating debt.

A well-managed budget paves the way for a more joyful holiday season, where thoughtful spending aligns with your values, reducing the risk of post-holiday buyer’s remorse.

Budget-Friendly Gifts from the Heart

Not all gifts come with extravagant price tags. Meaningful gifts, those chosen with care and a deep understanding of the recipient, hold a value beyond mere cost. They embody love, appreciation, and connection, making them treasured tokens of the heart.

• Explore the possibility of handmade and do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts, like a customized scrapbook, knitted scarves and hats, or a handwritten letter. These unique and cost-effective options convey a personal touch and thoughtfulness in a budget-friendly manner. 
• Consider approaches that enable you to share costs with others — like group gifting or gift exchanges. 
• Offering your time and skills through acts of service is a wonderful way to make a valuable and immeasurable impact in someone’s life. 

Instead of buying traditional gifts, revel in the magic of the holidays with gifts that create lasting memories. Whether it’s a delightful spa day, a fun cooking class, concert tickets, caroling, or contributing to support a loved one, these experiences are filled with cherished moments. And for those who wish to extend the circle of joy even further, think about the beauty of charitable donations in someone’s name, allowing you to make a difference while offering a heartfelt gift.

Thriving Through the Holidays

Navigating the fine line between festive spending and emotional wellness serves a greater purpose than merely safeguarding finances. It’s about wholeheartedly embracing the authentic spirit of the holidays while unburdening ourselves from the weight of financial stress and emotional strain.

As the holiday season whirls around you, set a daily date for tea meditation. This simple routine is your secret recipe for staying grounded, present, and steeped in profound peace.

Sync your rhythm with the season by weaving regular exercise into your daily schedule. Whether it’s a brisk, snow-laden stroll through a winter wonderland, a spirited dance to the tunes of your favorite holiday songs, or the graceful glide of ice skating, infuse your days with the vitality and resilience needed to match the tempo of the holidays. 

Escape from the holiday frenzy by intentionally carving out time for creative expression. Try painting, journaling, crafting, or any form of artistic outlet that resonates with your soul. It’s a way to release pent-up emotions and reconnect with your inner self, offering a comforting sanctuary of emotional well-being while the world buzzes around you.

While celebrating, it’s essential to maintain a balanced and nourishing routine. Ensure you get your beauty rest with consistent sleep patterns, and savor wholesome, hearty meals that fuel your body. A well-rested and nourished mind is better equipped to handle the emotional strain that can sometimes accompany the holidays.

And to All, A Season of Emotional Well-Being and Financial Peace

As the flurry of holiday shopping sets in, remember that the true magic of the holidays doesn’t reside in lavish spending or picture-perfect moments. But instead, it lies in the warmth of connection and shared happiness that have power to thaw the icy grip of financial worries and emotional strains. This year, purposefully shape a season where emotional well-being is your most cherished gift, and memories are the greatest treasures of all. Redefine the spirit of the holidays for a more joyful, emotionally fulfilling, and financially peaceful celebration.

About Dr. Bernadette Anderson

Dr. Bernadette, a distinguished family physician, is a widely respected authority in the field of health and wellness, bringing with her more than two decades of experience. Her accomplishments extend to the publication of her book, “Fulfilled. 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness” (foreword by Dr. Howard Murad), which is the cornerstone of her influential “Fulfilled. wellness program,” garnering her recognition as the Most Innovative Mental Wellness Programming Provider 2023—Midwest USA from Global Health and Pharma. Her literary work has also been celebrated with the New York City Big Book Award in the Well-Being category.

Dr. Bernadette is also a freelance writer for GoodRx and she pens thought-provoking articles and essays for prestigious publications, including Essence, USA Today, Murad, and The Grio. For those seeking her insights into living a healthier, more fulfilling life, you can connect with her via LinkedIn, Instagram, or visit her website.