Did You Spend Too Much on Christmas? Fix It Now!

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

If holiday cheer has left your wallet feeling a little light and your credit card bills a little too heavy, don’t stress—you’re not alone. Today, I’m diving into practical tips to tackle those Christmas bills, regain control of your budget, and set yourself up for a stress-free financial year ahead.

So, if that sounds like something you need, well then, let’s get started!

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Did You Spend Too Much on Christmas? Fix It Now!

Well hey there and welcome back to another episode of the Financial Fix Up Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and if you’re like most folks, you probably gave your credit cards a bit of a workout this holiday season. Now, it’s January, and those bills are rolling in. Maybe you’re looking at your statement thinking, “Seriously? How did I spend that much?!” Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and we’re in this together. In today’s episode, I’ll share simple, doable tips to help you climb out of that post-holiday debt and set yourself up for a better next year. So, grab your favorite cup of coffee (or reheat the one you forgot about in the microwave!) and let’s dive in.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Let’s be honest: we moms tend to go all out for our kids, our family gatherings, and everyone on our Christmas list—so overspending? Yeah, it happens to the best of us. But guess what? You have the power to turn this around.

Gather Your Bills

Start by rounding up all your credit card statements, receipts—anything showing what you spent over the holidays. Yes, it might feel a little scary, but acknowledging the total is the first step to making a plan. I’ve had those moments where I’d think, “I really didn’t need that extra stocking stuffer, did I?” But once you see the numbers, you can start chipping away at them strategically.

Pay Highest Interest First

Now, here’s where strategy comes in. If you’ve got credit card debt, start by figuring out which card has the highest interest rate. That’s the one you’re going to focus on first. Trust me, those high-interest charges add up fast, and tackling them head-on will save you money in the long run.

Of course, you’ll still want to make the minimum payments on your other cards to avoid penalties, but put any extra cash toward the card with the highest interest. This might mean skipping a coffee run or two or saying no to takeout for a while. It’s not forever—just until you’ve got a handle on things.

Step 2: Budget Adjustments

Alright, let’s talk about your budget. If you don’t already have one, now’s the perfect time to start. And if you do already have one in place, it’s time to tighten it up a bit. Think about where you can cut back—even temporarily.

Maybe you can press pause on streaming subscriptions or skip dining out this month. Every dollar you free up can go toward those holiday bills. I love to make it a game—“How many days can I go without spending money?” or “What meals can I whip up using just what’s in the pantry?” It’s kind of fun to see how resourceful you can be.

Another option is to declutter and sell unused items. You can think of it as an early spring cleaning with a bonus! A couple of years ago, I did this and managed to sell some old furniture we no longer needed, a few kids’ toys, and even some kitchen gadgets that had been sitting in the cupboard collecting dust. Altogether, I made around $300, which went straight to paying down my highest-interest credit card. It felt so good to see progress, and it also helped declutter my home at the same time! Think extras you haven’t used since you moved in ten years ago or kids clothing and toys that are just piling up in the garage. Every little bit counts.

Lower Other Bills to Free Up Money

Another tip not everyone thinks about: call your utility companies, cell phone provider, or internet service. Did you know you can often negotiate lower rates? I’ve done this myself, and it’s amazing how much you can save with just a phone call. That extra cash can go straight to your credit card payments.

Step 3: Plan Ahead for Next Year

Let’s talk about the future. Because while we’re fixing this year’s holiday hangover, we can also set ourselves up to avoid it next time. Start a Christmas savings fund. It sounds fancy, but all it means is setting aside a little bit each month so you’re ready when the holidays roll around.

For example, if you want to spend $1,200 next Christmas, save $100 a month starting now. You can even automate it so you don’t have to think about it. Trust me, having that money set aside feels amazing when December hits.

Step 4: Financial Habits for the Year

Now, let’s zoom out and talk about habits. Because if overspending at Christmas was a struggle this year, it might be part of a bigger problem or pattern of behavior. The good news? You can change it.

Consolidate If Necessary

If juggling multiple cards is stressing you out, you might look into a debt consolidation loan or transferring balances to a lower-interest card. Just do your homework—sometimes fees can outweigh the benefits. Your local bank or credit union is a good place to start for trustworthy advice.

Tighten Up Your Purse Strings

One of the simplest ways to get back on track is to live more frugally for a few months. This doesn’t mean giving up everything you love—just making a few intentional changes. Maybe it’s packing lunches instead of eating out, skipping that impulse buy at the store, or even hosting a family swap meet where you trade items you no longer need for things others have to offer. These small steps can make a big difference. These little choices add up and can make a big difference in how quickly you recover.

Practice New Habits

Finally, let’s focus on long-term habits. If Christmas spending got out of hand this year, take some time to reflect on why. When did your spending spiral this past Christmas? Was it those Black Friday deals, last-minute stocking stuffers, or feeling pressured to match someone else’s gift? Figure out your triggers and plan ways to avoid them next time around. Maybe that means setting a strict gift budget or shopping earlier in the year. By putting this in place and sticking to it, you’ll avoid that January regret next time around.

Lisa’s Story of Eliminating Christmas Debt

Now, I just have to share this email from on of our awesome listeners, Lisa, who totally conquered her post-Christmas debt last year:

Hey Sarah,

I went way overboard last Christmas—gifts, decorations, the whole nine yards. In January, my credit card statements nearly made me cry. So, my family and I made a plan: No eating out for two months. We turned it into a challenge—trying new pantry recipes, getting the kids involved. Then, I organized a neighborhood garage sale, selling outgrown clothes, baby items, even an old treadmill.

By the end of February, I’d paid off nearly $1,000 and started a small sinking fund for the next holiday season. My kids learned a lot about saving and budgeting, and I love that we tackled it together.

Thanks for the inspiration!

—Lisa

Isn’t that amazing? Lisa’s story shows how a little creativity and family teamwork can make a huge difference.

Closing Thoughts

Alright, friend, you’ve got this. Don’t beat yourself up over Christmas spending—just take a deep breath, make a plan, and start chipping away at those bills. Every small change you make adds up, and by this time next year, you’ll be in a much better place—both financially and emotionally.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of the Financial Fix Up Podcast. If you found this helpful, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. And don’t forget to check out our free budgeting resources at lemonblessings.com or by clicking the links in the show notes.

Whatever you decide, just know I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time.

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