For many of us, "Christmas creep"—the pressure to create a memorable Christmas—can turn what’s supposed to be a relaxing and joyful time into one of stress and anxiety. This year, the problem may be getting worse.
Driving the news: Despite a shaky economy, Canadian families will spend an average of $1,308 on gifts, $616 on decorations and $451 on food this year, per Statista. That adds up to over $2,300 on the holiday season.
Why it's happening: At some point, retailers made the "Spirit of Christmas" synonymous with shopping—now they can make up to half of their yearly sales during the holiday season.
- Cinnamon-scented candles, elaborately decorated window displays and Christmas songs playing on a loop are all tactics retailers employ to get you in the mood to spend.
Why it matters: This year, almost everyone will have less to spend. Save yourself and your loved ones the stress of stretching budgets (or worse, overspending) by outlining clear expectations of what is and is not feasible.
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Set clear boundaries. Past traditions and friends who go overboard on gifts can create feelings of guilt and pressure to keep up, but it’s okay to set boundaries with your friends and family about what you’ll be doing for the holidays—including spending less on gifts or buying nothing at all.
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If you're short on money, give the gift of time. Know any new parents? They could use help with a couple of loads of laundry or babysitting. Make cute vouchers and hand them out to friends and family to make their lives easier (and it won’t cost you a cent.)
- Get back to the basics. Social media floods us with images of "perfect" families decked out in matching pyjamas—but since when does being together require coordinated outfits? You'll make more memories singing off-tune Christmas carols or baking and building a gingerbread house.
Bottom line: You should get to enjoy the holidays too—not spend them worrying about everything going “right.”