When I was a kid, I remember my parents throwing a Christmas in July event for the teenagers at our church. There were games and snacks themed to fit winter’s best holiday. Christmas carols filled the air. And someone even read the Christmas story. I have a foggy memory of the pastor dressing up like Santa Claus; although I’m not sure that really happened. To me, it was nothing short of magical.
Celebrating Christmas in the middle of the hot summer felt a little upside-down, a little rebellious, but oh-so-fun. And for at least a week every year, I recreate elements of that party I loved so much.
Mid-summer, my Christmas playlist blares from the speakers of my phone. I turn on a string of Christmas lights, though they’re a bit difficult to see since the sun doesn’t really feel like it goes down during July. I might even make a mug of hot cocoa.
Marketers engage Christmas in July as an attempt to draw you into the stores, too. Prices are slashed to entice shoppers to spend. While the season of swimsuits and sunblock may seem far from December, it’s never too soon to begin thinking about Christmas. But rather than spending, you need to begin saving instead.
Christmas is not an emergency
For close to a decade, we treated Christmas like a surprise in our family. Each year as Dec. 25 grew closer, it was almost as if we didn’t know it was coming. Instead of preparing our finances for a season of merry and bright, we buried our heads in the sand and just hoped we’d be able to afford the gifts, the food and all of the extras. Or if we couldn’t afford our holiday, we’d spend months recovering financially.
Here and now, let’s establish that Christmas will come yet again this year. You will need to budget for additional expenses. You’ll spend more than you planned. Now’s the time to commit to quit treating Christmas like an emergency. A happy holiday begins in July, not the day after Thanksgiving.
Have difficult conversations now
The holiday season charges our emotions. Filled with nostalgia and cheer, thoughts of restraint and self-control take a back burner. After all, who wants to be a Grinch?
But maxing out a credit card is no gift at all. In fact, you’ll be worse than Scrooge in the New Year if you bite off more than you can chew. For this reason, it’s smart to open gift giving conversations months removed from the actual festivities. Rather than waiting until the last minute to inform your relatives you are too broke to purchase gifts, begin talking through spending limits and alternative celebration ideas now.
Keep in mind that some shop for the holidays throughout the entire year and may need another full calendar year to put new traditions into place. However, beginning the discussion now removes some of the potential conflict that occurs closer to the main event.
Start saving
If you’re beginning to feel like poor Bob Cratchett, fear not. Time is on your side, friends. There are at least 153 days between July 25 and Dec. 25. Take a deep breath. It’s going to be OK.
You have time to think through and revamp your holiday traditions. Best of all, you have time to begin saving for Christmas this year. Plus, if your budget has little wiggle room to spare, you have time to either pick up extra work or sell items you own to begin a Christmas savings fund.
We have an actual savings account specifically for this one holiday. We gradually save throughout the year until we hit our goal. While you could keep Christmas cash at home, you may want to consider setting up a free account at your bank, too. You’re less likely to touch and spend the funds if you move your hard-earned dollars into a separate account. Head to your bank ASAP and let the savings begin. Even if you only put back $10 each week, you’ll have over $200 in your account before Christmas.
Reboot your holidays
Maybe it’s time to hit the reset button. Now is the time to reevaluate what you choose to do as a part of your holidays each year. Perhaps, you’ll choose to reduce the number of gifts you’ll give. Or maybe, you’ll choose to only give homemade presents. This year, you could even take a trip as a family instead of purchasing gifts.
Rather than pressing on toward the end of the year without a plan, realize you have a choice in the matter. You’re not a hapless victim tangled up in tinsel. You can readjust the vision of what the season means. Take steps toward a happier holiday this year by taking charge now.
I’ll always have a soft spot for upside-down celebrations. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of cider, cookies baking and pine needles any time of the year? Enjoy a few of the season’s finest a few months in advance. And begin making a plan for a holiday that remains happy all year long.
