Ah December, the jolliest time of the year! Can you believe that we are just 4 weeks away from 2019? We’ve got a lot to do before then, so today I’m sharing with you some expense ideas to add to your December budget.

 

Before we get started, what is your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Gifts

I had to kick off this list with the obvious budget expense. Christmas gifts! Whether or not you’re a late shopper or have been gathering gifts since October, there always seems to be something we’ve forgotten, are still holding out for a better deal, or can’t seem to get our hands on yet! Try to be as detailed as possible when creating your list and make certain budget boundaries. And keep some dollars saved for wrapping paper and gift wrapping supplies if you’re running low. Christmas is about more than how much you spent!

 

Holiday Decor

Anything from the tree (real or otherwise), to stockings, and winter decor is included here.

 

Light Shows

If you’ve never been to a driving light show tour, you must try it out if there’s one in your area. You get to stay cozy in your car to see the tremendous light display, just be prepared for an unexpected entrance fee. Save some cash and drive around town admiring other neighborhood’s lights or your neighbor’s Christmas outdoor setup.

 

Christmas Feasts

Food is a major component during the Christmas season and there are so many opportunities to indulge. If you’re cooking, you already know it can get pricey, so plan and prepare for forgotten ingredients or ingredients that have gone bad and need repurchasing. Do you celebrate with meals on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Are there always snacks milling around at any given moment during the party? Plan for more than you think you need, because food always seems to add up.

 

Christmas Cookies

One of my favorite Christmastime traditions is baking and decorating Christmas cookies with my family. We spend hours making several different kinds and adding sprinkles to the sugar cookie cutouts. Hopefully you already have cookie making ingredients on hand for obvious reasons, but if you’ve run out, don’t forget to add it to your budget! Especially if you’re baking in bulk!

 

Traveling Expenses

This time of year a lot of folks are traveling around to visit family and friends. Some might be heading somewhere warmer to vacation during the off-season. I’ve mentioned this several times before, but plan for the unplanned expenses which might include gas, traveling snacks, or toll roads.

 

Admission for Plays/Pageants/Concerts

This category ranges from your youngest loved one’s grade school Christmas Pageant to seeing the The Nutcracker on stage to listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert.

 

Holiday Family Photos

Does your family like to get professional family photos every holiday season? That’s a great tradition, and if it’s your’s, then plan for the photographer’s fee. And if you like to send out Christmas cards, plan on stamp costs.

 

Snow Park Tickets/Ski Slope Passes

Are you a winter outdoor activity enthusiast? These cold-weather hobbies can add up, especially if you’re hitting the slopes every weekend. Now’s the time to start saving for annual passes or equipment rental if you plan to take part in December and through the winter months.

 

Donations

While giving is a privilege I hope we get to enjoy all year long, it’s especially fun to donate and give during the holidays. From the Red Kettle Campaign to buying gifts for a family or food for the hungry, it’s a blessing to you and the recipient.

 

Secret Santa

Are you involved in a group outside of your family’s normal Christmas routine that enjoys putting together a Secret Santa gift exchange? If yes, then don’t forget to add them and the extra gift cost to your Christmas list budget.

 

Holiday Work Parties

Does your employer hold this tradition? Is there a raffle, silent auction, gift exchange, price per plate, a dish to pass? Look into what you might have to contribute and plan accordingly.

 

New Year’s Eve Celebration

It’s not too early to start thinking ahead to the kickoff of the New Year. All things New Year’s Eve party related fit into this category. Food and beverage, party favors, location fee, ticket cost. Even though Christmas is still a couple weeks away, keep this holiday on your budget radar.

 

 

What a wonderful time of year it is! I hope you have the chance to relish every moment with the people you love. And if your holiday looks a little different this year, I hope you have all the comfort and peace that comes with knowing Jesus came to this world for you.

 

What do you always like to include in your December budget every year? Let me know in the comments!

 

Cheers!