Hello again! It’s Dr Melissa Harrison here, coming to you from the picturesque South West of Western Australia. Having delved into the world of stress-free festive celebrations in my last post, today I want to address a more pressing issue that many of us face during this joyful season—financial stress during Christmas.

With over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, I’ve seen first-hand how the festive season can – paradoxically – bring joy and financial strain. In these economic times it’s more important than ever to step back from commercialism and rediscover the true essence of Christmas. As Justin might say ‘Don’t go spending cash you don’t have to buy crap you don’t need to impress people you don’t know’…

The Historical Perspective on Gift-Giving

The tradition of gift-giving during Christmas has deep historical roots, evolving from simple offerings to the elaborate exchange of presents we see today. Originally, gifts were modest, often homemade, and deeply personal. This tradition was a way to strengthen bonds and show appreciation during a significant time of the year. Understanding this can help us appreciate the value of simplicity and personal effort in our gift choices. 

Setting Financial Boundaries

Don’t let the pressure of gift-giving or ‘keeping up’ push you into financial hardship. Remember, your loved ones wouldn’t want to burden you financially. They would likely feel guilt if they knew their gifts caused you stress or debt. It’s far better to establish clear financial boundaries beforehand. Discuss budget limits with your family or opt for more cost-effective traditions like Kris Kringle/Secret Santa, where each person buys a gift for just one other person in the group.

The Joy of Handmade Gifts

In an age where almost anything can be bought online at the push of a button, the charm of a handmade gift has become even more precious. Whether it’s a knitted scarf, a hand-painted decoration, or even a heartfelt card, the time and love invested in these gifts often make them more cherished than anything bought on a laptop. This effort shows thoughtfulness and care, which are the true spirits of the season. All we have is time, and not much of that – making a slice of your time a much more meaningful gift.

Making your own xmas decorations – cheap, frustrating and a really fun memory!

Simplifying Gift-Giving

A wonderful way to simplify gift-giving while keeping it meaningful is to follow the mantra: “something to wear, something to read, something you want, and something you need”. This approach not only makes shopping easier but also covers the essentials, making each gift practical and thoughtful.

Communicating the True Meaning of Christmas

It’s important to remind ourselves and our families about what Christmas is really about. It’s a time for love, reflection, and togetherness—not just presents. Setting this expectation early helps everyone focus on what truly matters: the shared experiences and the joy of being together.

Understanding the Psychology of Pleasure

Finally, it’s helpful to remember the psychology behind hedonic pleasure—it’s fleeting. The joy from material gifts wears off quickly, but the memories of time spent together (psychologists call this brand of happiness ‘finding meaning’), or the satisfaction from creating something with your own hands (‘engagement’), last longer and is associated with much greater life satisfaction.

As we navigate this festive season, let’s cherish the moments that bring us real joy and connection. By focusing on what really matters, we can all have a fulfilling and less financially stressful Christmas.

Thank you for joining me once again on this journey. Let’s continue to support each other in making this festive season one of the most memorable yet, for all the right reasons.