Christmas is meant to be a season of joy—but for many of us, it becomes a whirlwind of overspending, overcommitting, and feeling overwhelmed. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of planning and the right perspective, you can slow down, simplify, and savor what truly matters.

Today, Crystal Payne—creator of MoneySavingMom.com—shared practical ways to simplify Christmas while keeping your heart centered on Christ. Here’s a look at her best advice for making this season more peaceful, meaningful, and budget-friendly.

Rediscover the Meaning of Christmas

Before diving into logistics or budgeting, Crystal encourages families to anchor the season in what matters most.

1. Practice Daily Advent Reflections

Her family uses Ann Voskamp’s Advent book, complete with ornaments and daily devotionals. The readings are short, kid-friendly, and a gentle, daily reminder of the story at the heart of Christmas.

2. Create a Family Giving Project

Every December, Crystal’s children choose a giving project—something meaningful to them—and the whole family contributes. The kids even make donation boxes and help gather change throughout the month. It’s a hands-on way to practice generosity and keep the focus on others.

Simplify Your Gift List

For many people, gift-giving is the biggest stressor in December.

Crystal recommends asking yourself:

• Who do I feel I should buy for?
• Who do I want to buy for?
• What budget do I realistically have?

If your list and budget don’t match, consider simplifying:

• Family gifts instead of individual gifts
• Experience gifts rather than items
• Homemade or low-cost gifts, especially for people who “have everything”

Crystal’s free Christmas guide at MoneySavingMom.com includes 15 simple DIY gift ideas—from movie-night boxes to Sharpie-designed mugs to homemade baked goods.

Keep Spending in Check

Overspending is easy at Christmas—but planning helps.

Save Throughout the Year

It’s too late for this season, but Crystal encourages starting a Christmas sinking fund in January. A little each month makes December much lighter.

Use Gift Cards as Your Budget

If you shop online, buying prepaid gift cards (or using ones earned through surveys or reward apps) helps you avoid overspending. When the card is empty, the shopping is done.

If money is tight this year, you still have wonderful options:

• Homemade food gifts: cookie dough, loaves of bread, granola, sweet breads
• Experience gifts: monthly treats, babysitting, laundry help, home-cooked meals
• Sentimental gifts: photo books, recipe collections, handwritten letters

These gifts often mean more than store-bought items because they’re personal, thoughtful, and memorable.

Make Holiday Cooking Easier

Food prep can dominate December, but Crystal suggests planning ahead:

• Make a list of everything you hope to cook
• Shop ahead of time
• Prep and freeze items like cookie dough, rolls, sweet breads, or desserts
• Take shortcuts when needed—premade dough or bread can be inexpensive and time-saving

A few hours of prep can give you more space for the moments that matter.

Plan Meaningful Family Time (Without Overfilling Your Calendar)

Crystal offers several delightful ideas to create memories without adding stress.

1. Make a December Bucket List

Each family member chooses one or two special activit