Spending begets spending: How to Stay in Control of Holiday Spending

The last few weeks have felt like a spending spree. Between holiday gifting and ingredients for endless batches of cookies (okay, maybe not endless, but it feels that way), it seems like I’m spending more money than ever. And the strangest part? The more I spend, the more I want to spend. It’s not just gifts and groceries—it’s dinner out, a bottle of wine, and sure, the kids could use a new winter hat and gloves, right? Most of these purchases were budgeted for, but if I’m honest, some of it definitely wasn’t. And here’s the thing: while it’s not ideal, it happens.

When we spend outside our budget, it means we take away from something else. That could mean not paying down debt, failing to save for something else, or investing less than we hope.  

But here’s why I’m staying engaged and still tracking our spending, even when it’s painful: research shows that simply having a budget—even if you overspend—helps reduce how much we spend overall. Without a budget, spending can spiral unchecked, but with one, we’re more likely to pull back and maintain some control.

The other reason I keep tracking is because every expense tells a story—it’s all data. By looking at it objectively and without (too much) emotion, I can use this year’s spending to adjust for next year. This might mean tweaking our system to be more realistic or building in tools to handle the emotional side of spending—like recognizing that spending often leads to more spending.

If you’re feeling like holiday spending has gotten out of hand, take a breath. Don’t shy away from the numbers. Instead, use them as a tool. Track what you’ve spent this season, and let it inform how you plan for next year. A little clarity now can go a long way in helping you manage your money with confidence—and maybe even enjoy the holidays a little more.