Christmas is officially over, and if you’re like me, you might still be recovering—not just from all the lechon and ham, but also from the whirlwind of spending that comes with the holiday season.
As I sneak a spoonful of leftover mango float (because who can resist?), I thought it’d be a good time to do a little Christmas Spending Audit.
The holidays can be expensive. But were all those pesos worth it?
Here’s my take, along with a few personal stories and lessons I learned along the way.
What We Spent Christmas On This Year
This year, my husband, our two kids, and our helper (my aunt, who’s like a second mom to us) spent Christmas at my parents’ house. My sister and brother were there too, making it a full house filled with laughter, good food, and a touch of chaos—exactly how a Pinoy Christmas should be.
We had a potluck arrangement, which was a lifesaver for our wallets and our energy levels. I volunteered to bring spaghetti (Filipino-style, of course—sweet and cheesy!) and a loaf of banana cake I baked the night before with my kids.
Everyone pitched in with something: my brother roasted a flavorful lechon belly, perfectly paired with fresh lettuce and kimchi on the side, my mom made her signature ube halaya, my sister brought the desserts, and my dad provided the drinks.
Not only did it save us money, but it also made the meal extra special because everyone contributed.
Gifts and the Unexpected Givers
I had a budget for gifts this year. I made a list, checked it twice (feeling very Santa-like), and allocated an amount per person.
I even added a small buffer—because let’s be real, someone always ends up giving you a gift you didn’t expect, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
I had a few spare gifts—generic but thoughtful items like customized cellphone stands—ready to go. But even if I didn’t, I’ve learned it’s okay to graciously receive without feeling obligated to give back immediately.
If it’s not in your budget, just be honest. A simple “Thank you so much! This means a lot to me” is enough. No need to pretend or, worse, go into debt just to reciprocate.
The Surprise Expenses
Even with careful planning, there were expenses I didn’t see coming. Like when my daughter casually mentioned they needed something “small” for their volleyball training gift exchange.“Small” turned out to be a tumbler. Or when our barangay tanods came caroling, and I realized I didn’t have enough cash for everyone, so I ended up raiding my stash of grocery money.
But here’s the thing: while these moments weren’t planned, they weren’t regrets either. The joy on my daughter’s face when she proudly handed over her gift to her volleyball friend was priceless.
And seeing the tanods light up with a small envelope and a pack of snacks reminded me that giving—even in small amounts—can make someone’s day.
Lessons Learned: Was It Worth It?
Looking back, here are the questions I asked myself during my spending audit:
- Did we stick to the budget?
Almost! I went slightly over in the gifts category (thanks, surprise givers and carolers!), but my potluck savings balanced it out. - Did our spending align with our values?
Absolutely. We focused on experiences—time with family, meaningful meals, and thoughtful (but not extravagant) gifts. - Did it hurt our financial health?
Thankfully, no. I didn’t touch our emergency fund or use credit cards irresponsibly. A buffer is a lifesaver, and sticking to cash for most expenses kept things manageable.
Tips for Next Year
If you’re doing your own spending audit (and I highly recommend you do), here are some tips I’m taking with me into next Christmas:
- Start a Christmas Fund Early
Set aside a small amount every payday starting January. By the time December rolls around, you’ll have a guilt-free budget ready to go. - Have a “Buffer Box” of Generic Gifts
Stock up on affordable but thoughtful items throughout the year, like candles, mugs, or festive goodies. These will save you when the unexpected givers show up. - Potluck Everything
Potluck isn’t just practical—it’s fun! Sharing the load makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the celebration without the financial stress. - Say “No” with Grace
If someone asks for something that’s beyond your budget, be honest. “Pasensya na, hindi kasya sa budget this time” is a kind but firm way to set boundaries.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Christmas isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about the love, memories, and joy you share with those around you. And while money plays a part in creating these moments, it doesn’t have to take center stage.
So, was this year’s Christmas spending worth it? For me, it absolutely was. The laughter around the dinner table, the squeals of delight from my kids opening their presents, and even the simple joy of giving to others—it’s a reminder that some things are priceless, even if they come with a price tag.
How about you? Have you done your Christmas spending audit yet? If not, grab a cup of coffee, sit down with your receipts, and start reflecting. You might just find a few lessons (and a lot of gratitude) in the process.