The days are getting longer, the weather’s warming up, and summer is calling — which makes Christmas feel miles away. But here’s the thing: those cozy winter days filled with gift-giving, baking, and family gatherings will be here before you know it.

And if you want to avoid the last-minute money panic in December? Now’s the perfect time to start saving.

This five-step plan will help you set a clear goal, stay on track, and save for Christmas — all without cutting into your summer fun.

🪙 Step 1: Set a Holiday Spending Goal

Chances are, you can’t remember exactly how much you spent last Christmas — and that’s okay. You can:

• Review your past bank or credit card statements for an estimate
• OR make a fresh list of everyone you plan to buy for and assign a spending amount per person

Here’s a simple budgeting guideline:

• Colleagues, kids in your extended family, or gift exchanges: ~$30
• Close friends and immediate family: ~$50
• Spouse, kids at home, or someone special: $100+

Now factor in:

• Decorations and hosting
• Holiday baking or charity donations
• Travel and extra wrapping supplies

🎯 Add a buffer for surprise costs and you’ve got your total Christmas savings goal.

📅 Step 2: Set a Goal Date

Pick the date when you want your Christmas money fully saved. Common choices:

• Black Friday (Nov 28, 2025)
• December 1st
• Mid-November

Choose a date that fits your lifestyle — then mark it on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.

➗ Step 3: Do the Math

Take your total savings goal and divide it by the number of paydays left before your goal date.

Example:
If your goal is $1500 and you have 12 pay periods left:
$1500 ÷ 12 = $125 per payday

If that feels like too much, try:

• Lowering your total budget
• Saving weekly instead of bi-weekly
• Starting even earlier next year

💸 Step 4: Actually Save the Money

Saving is easiest when it’s automated or part of your regular routine. Try:

• Automatic transfers to a Christmas savings account
• Savings apps that round up purchases or let you set mini-goals
• Manual transfers on payday — some people enjoy that sense of control and progress
• A physical log sheet that helps visualize where you are and keeps you motivated
  • Something like my Grow Your Savings worksheet would be perfect!

Whatever method you choose, the key is staying consistent.

✅ Step 5: Stick to the Plan

Now that you’ve saved the money — don’t forget to follow your plan!

Here’s how to stay accountable:

• Track what you spend using a notebook or phone app
• Log each gift as you buy it, with the cost and recipient
• Cross off names as you go — it feels amazing

🎁 Bonus Tips to Stretch Your Christmas Dollars

• Wrap gifts as you buy them — no more late-night panic
• Label gifts right away
• Note where you hide gifts (yes, really)
• Add unexpected cash to your Christmas fund
• Say no to expensive gift exchanges if they don’t work for your budget
• Sell unused items around your home
• Regift thoughtfully — just not to the original gifter!
• Homemade gifts can be affordable and meaningful

🎄 Start Now, Thank Yourself Later

The holidays should feel joyful — not stressful. With a clear plan, a realistic goal, and a little consistency, you can head into December calm, confident, and financially ready.

Ready to start saving?

Set your holiday goal today — and share this post with a friend who always says, “Next year I’ll be more prepared.”