In the classic 1963 Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Andy Williams crowns Christmastime as the happiest season of all. And most of us would agree, as there’s something magical about a stretch of days filled with feasts, friends, and cheer.
But the holiday season also can be the most hectic time of the year. With calendars packed to the brim, we’re often running on adrenaline—and that’s when mistakes creep in. Holiday blunders may be all-too-common, but with a few savvy holiday tips, you can steer clear of usual pitfalls and keep the season as wonderful as promised.
Holiday Tip No. 1: Resist the temptation to overspend
Maybe you’re planning a holiday party that your friends will be talking about for years. Or surprising your kids with those big-ticket gifts that make their eyes light up. Or whisking the whole family away on a dream Christmas vacation.
Whatever your vision, just remember: The real cost can linger long after the gifts are unwrapped and the excitement has faded. Credit card debt has a way of sticking around—and it’s rarely worth the stress. The joy of the holiday season can quickly vanish when January rolls in with a pile of bills.
The best advice is also the simplest: Create a realistic budget, and stick to it. Set spending limits for gifts, travel, and entertaining. Consider using cash or a prepaid card for certain categories to avoid accidentally overspending. And if you're hosting, remember: A warm, memorable gathering doesn't have to mean a lavish one.
Holiday Tip No. 2: It’s okay to say ‘No, thank you’
Especially during the holidays, busyness can feel like a badge of honor. If you’re not out and about, it may even seem like you didn’t make the invite list.
In reality, the endless stream of school concerts, office parties, cocktail hours, and community events can chip away at the actual joy of the season. When you’re rushing from one commitment to the next, it’s easy to miss the beauty unfolding around you. And the healthy habits that sustain and ground you—such as exercise, sleep, and quiet time—can get pushed to the sidelines.
What to do? Take a moment to sketch out the weeks ahead. Look at what’s already on your plate and decide—intentionally—what you want to say yes to. Then, protect the rest. Block out evenings for family downtime, even if it’s just sitting by the tree and listening to a treasured Christmas album or rewatching a Hallmark holiday classic.
Saying “no” to some things means saying a fuller “yes” to what really matters. Consider it one of the most important holiday tips for preserving your peace.
Holiday Tip No. 3: Master the art of perfect party timing
According to the unwritten rules of social decorum, what time is best to arrive at a party—early, late, or right on time?
For large gatherings, it’s perfectly acceptable to arrive 30 minutes after the start time on an invite. A standard holiday party tends to be a lively, come-and-go, two-to-three-hour situation. Arriving too early might catch the host off guard—and possibly earn you some quiet eye rolls. That first half-hour gives the host time to get the drinks flowing and guests to start mingling. Show up then, and you can ease in seamlessly.
Of course, a sit-down dinner party is a different story. In that case, timing matters more. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes late is usually fine, but much beyond that is delicate and could be deemed by others in attendance as inconsiderate. It’s a good idea to call or text the host if you’re running late.
Holiday Tip No. 4: Savor the treats without overdoing it
It’s a decadent time of year, with an astonishing amount of attention given to food and drink. Baking Christmas cookies is often a family-friendly affair, and indulgent dinners are practically synonymous with the season. Surrounded by merriment, cocktails, and confections, it’s easy for even the best intentions to get derailed.
But overindulging comes at a cost. One too many refills, second (or third) helpings, and endless desserts can weigh you down and lead to regret. January always arrives with its clean-slate energy, and no one wants to greet it feeling like they must atone for December.
A better approach? Decide ahead of time what’s worth the splurge. Enjoy the cookies you baked with your kids. Savor your favorite holiday cocktail. But maybe skip the things you don’t truly love. Build in balance, not restriction.
Holiday Tip No. 5: Skip the scramble; shop with a plan
Maybe shopping isn’t your thing, so you put it off. Or perhaps you’re indecisive and struggle to find just the right thing.
Whatever the reason, get ahead of it. Set a personal deadline to have gifts bought, wrapped, and under the tree. No excuses.
Waiting until the last minute adds stress and usually means paying more for less-than-ideal options. Stores get picked over, shipping costs spike, and you’re more likely to settle for something that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Start early, make a list, and stick to your budget. Even a small gift goes a long way when it’s chosen with care. And remember: It’s not what you spend but the love behind the gesture.