You’ve taken down the tree, packed away the ornaments, and unraveled all the garland. Life is sliding back into its regular rhythm—school runs, work emails, and the quiet hum of January routines.
Until the credit card statement arrives.
Do you know what the number will be? Or are you hesitating to click “View Statement,” afraid of what’s waiting behind that login screen?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The holidays are a season of joy, but they’re also a season of emotional spending. And now comes the reckoning.
If you followed your plan and came through the holidays right on track, take a moment to celebrate that win. Sticking to a budget during a season full of temptations and social pressure is no small feat.
If you strayed from your budget, that’s okay too. You now have the opportunity to lay a foundation of good financial habits for a strong year ahead.
Holiday spending isn’t just about buying gifts. It’s about feelings. Behavioural finance teaches us that money decisions are rarely rational. During December, we’re influenced by many factors:
Social comparison – We see what other families are doing and feel pressure to match their spending.
Parental guilt – Parents want kids to feel loved and included, so they often stretch beyond their means.
Tradition and nostalgia – Spending becomes a way to preserve cherished memories.
Scarcity and urgency – “Limited-time deals” trigger fear of missing out.
These factors make overspending common. Recognizing them can help you move forward without guilt.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. All too often, post-holiday emotions include the following:
Regret – “I shouldn’t have spent so much.”
Anxiety – “How will I pay this off?”
Shame – “I know better”
These feelings are valid, but temporary. Overspending doesn’t define you. It’s a moment in time. The key to overcoming it is shifting from self-criticism to constructive action.
If you overspent this holiday season, there are things you can do to get back on track. Here are five steps you can take right now:
Before tackling debt, pause and reflect.
Which purchases brought genuine joy or created lasting memories? Which ones felt obligatory or forgettable?
This exercise will help you align next year’s spending with your values, not external expectations.
Here’s how to regain control without feeling deprived:
Financial health is about systems, not willpower.
Consider habit stacking. That means pairing a new habit with an existing one. For example, after brushing your teeth, log your daily spending.
Practice daily awareness. Every night, write down what you spent that day. Conscious tracking curbs impulse buys.
Fine-tune daily spending. Small adjustments compound over time—skip one delivery, redirect $20 to debt.
One of the most powerful ways to prevent overspending is to make sure your holiday budget reflects what truly matters to your family. Next year, start by having an open conversation about what’s most important—experiences, traditions, or certain types of gifts. Ask questions like the following:
“What makes the holidays feel special for you?”
“Would you rather have more experiences together or more things under the tree?”
Once you understand those priorities, build your budget around them. Doing so will ensure you focus on what matters most and spend for the right reasons, not out of pressure or habit. When your spending aligns with your family’s values, every dollar feels intentional—and that’s where financial confidence begins.
If holiday spending threw you off, it may be time to adjust your budget. Here are some ways to get started:
Revisit cash flow. Trim extras temporarily—from subscriptions to dining out and impulse buys.
Set a realistic payoff timeline. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
Start a holiday fund now. Even $25–$50 per week adds up to a stress-free December.
You don’t have to do this alone. A Certified Financial Planner® professional or Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ professional can lay out options you might not recognize on your own—like restructuring debt, finding hidden savings, or creating a plan that feels achievable.
A planner can also help you set up systems for next year, so you’ll be prepared before the season begins. Sometimes an outside perspective is exactly what you need to turn stress into strategy. If you feel a bit embarrassed, remember that your planner understands, won’t judge, and can help you recover quickly!
Overspending during the holidays doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human. By understanding the psychological drivers behind your choices and implementing practical tactics, you can replace guilt with growth.
Start with reflection, move to action, and build habits that honor your values. Next December, you’ll celebrate without the January stress hangover—and that’s a gift worth giving yourself.
To get started, find a CFP® professional or QAFP® professional near you using the Find Your Financial Planner tool.
Wendy Brookhouse, CFP, is CEO and Chief Strategist at Black Start Wealth in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
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