The holiday season is quickly approaching, bringing with it the joy of celebration but also the potential for added mental and financial stress. Kansas State University Financial Planning Specialist Elizabeth Kiss says, “One way to approach holidays is by managing our time, energy, and money. Things to think about are what’s important to us as individuals and what is it that our family most enjoys about the holidays, and really focus on those things, which, for many families, is being together.” A little preparation now can go a long way toward making the holidays more joyful and less stressful.
Large family meals can account for a large portion of holiday spending, from traditional meals like Thanksgiving dinner to party trays, baking supplies, and dining out. Decorations such as festive plates, napkins, and table settings can also add up. Kiss notes that “the perfectionism and high standards we place on ourselves, especially around food, can be draining. It’s more about being together and less about all of the decorations.”
