What does 'holiday spending' look like in your family/culture?
It's not just Christmas! Share your experiences with holiday spending throughout the year
In personal finance media, we talk a lot about “holiday spending,” usually toward the end of the calendar year or to remedy a so-called debt hangover in January. This conversation has always been narrowly centered on holidays of Christian origin, especially Christmas.
That’s due, in part, to Christmas being particularly gift-centric and, therefore, expensive for a lot of folks. But it’s also because personal finance media carries all the same biases and blind spots as the rest of western culture, and even those of us who aren’t Christian speak from an American Christian-colored perspective.
I know Christmas isn’t the only holiday in the world that prompts festive celebration and increased spending! Who are we leaving out of the conversation when we limit content about “holiday spending” to a couple of months in the winter?
I’d love to hear about your experiences with holiday spending throughout the year.
Outside of Christianity, how do holiday celebrations effect spending? Do you spend more than usual on food, gifts, charity, fashion, home decor or travel during Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Ramadan, Diwali or another holiday?
Regardless of your background, what are the holidays that get the most attention in your family? How do you celebrate, and how do those celebrations impact your finances? What are some holiday costs you rarely see discussed in financial education or media?
How does your family divvy up these costs? How do you fit them into your money management plan?
Share your experiences and traditions in the comments!
Thanks for your thought-provoking post. I chose to spend Mother's Day hiking with my kiddo and homemade pizza. I chose not to spend money on a fancy brunch, flowers or dinner. I find that holidays bring a sense of "must-do" surrounding spending. My family never expects a card on holidays. I would much rather have a nice chat or a visit with them. It isn't because I am frugal, but I just don't value it. It is the same approach to combining food with holidays, especially sweet food. I am interested in finding a new path.
I’d say we fall into pretty traditional norms but we are always trying new things! Normally my partner and I will buy things the other person needs or could use instead of frivolous items, or maybe something for the family/house as a whole.