DAVE RAMSEY

Stop making comparisons with others and love your own Christmas

Dec 11, 2022, 5:00 AM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

Christmas is supposed to be a season full of joy. And sometimes, you have to be intentional about protecting that joy.

One thing that instantly puts the spirit of the season at risk is comparison, because it doesn’t just steal your joy — it steals your paycheck, too. One minute you’re scrolling through social media, then suddenly you’re impulse buying matching plaid outfits for the whole family because your friend posted pictures of her family in matching outfits, and you want your family to look festive and put-together too … and the spiral continues. (Been there.)

Comparison spirals almost always lead to spending. And for a lot of people, these spirals lead to debt, which is exactly what we don’t want as we head into the holidays. So, if talk of comparison spirals and unwanted debt already has you feeling grumpy, don’t turn into the Grinch just yet. With a little thinking and planning ahead, there’s still time to make sure that this year, you love your Christmas and not someone else’s. Here are five tips to help you steer clear of those comparison traps and create a Christmas you love.

1. Have a family meeting

That’s right, it’s time for an old-fashioned family chat. Grab your spouse, kids, siblings, parents, whoever you celebrate Christmas with, and tell them you’re doing a seasonal priority check and want their input. Find out which traditions are most important to your people, then cut out the traditions that are more draining than rewarding. Whatever it looks like for you, reevaluate your holiday routine and eliminate things that aren’t life-giving.

2. Set boundaries with a budget

Come on, you guys knew I wasn’t going to leave this one out! Now that you’re clear on your Christmas priorities, it’s time to make a Christmas budget. The best thing about a budget is it creates boundaries and puts you in control, which means you get to decide where your money goes. You can cut out any expenses that aren’t important to you (like that subscription you never use or that elaborate Elf on the Shelf setup) to make room in the budget for things you do want to spend money on.

3. Put the extra money toward experiences

Speaking of budgets, let’s talk about what to do when you have a little extra room in your Christmas budget. Why not buy some hot cocoa, load up your family in the car, and go look at Christmas lights? Or you can give a few dollars to each of your kids and take them to pick out new ornaments for the tree. Or better yet, buy some cheap craft supplies and let them create their own ornaments. The point is to think about what would be fun for you and your family, then take that extra money and turn into a memorable experience. (And remember: We’re trying to avoid comparison spirals, so you get bonus points if you don’t share the entire day on social media!)

4. Take a break

In the spirit of creating margin this holiday season, be sure to build in rest for yourself. Setting aside time to slow down and relax is just as important as setting a budget and boundaries. Think about the love you’ll be able to share with others if you’re calm and rested during the chaos. This is an easy, effective way to be a good steward of your energy during Christmas.

5. Find the joy in generosity

One thing I know for sure is that generosity generates true joy, both in your own heart and in others. And when you create space in your life, both in your calendar and your budget, you’ll have more opportunities to be generous. We were made to bless others, so find ways, big or small, for you and your family to give to others this holiday season.

All right, let’s recap: Christmas should never be about comparison. 

Christmas is about joy. Remember, the joy you spread to your family, friends and community is directly connected to the joy you create for yourself, and it’s not selfish to want the holidays to be a life-giving experience for you, too.

If you’ll take some time to make a plan and set a few boundaries, you’ll be celebrating a comparison-free Christmas this year.

And trust me, that’s a worthwhile investment!

Dave Ramsey

Mortgage, debt, stock market: Financial advice for 2025...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Senior mother’s mortgage advice and the best-laid plans about debt

Do you have concerns about mortgage, debt and the stock market? Dave Ramsey has a variety of answers for concerned.

6 days ago

Emergency fund, getting out of debt: 2025 Dave Ramsey advice...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Make your money safe and easily accessible – How to get out of debt quickly

One reader asks Dave Ramsey about an emergency fund strategy, while another is curious about getting out of debt. Here's his advice for both.

13 days ago

Employees don't care about your mission statement? Try this...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: How to make your employees care about your company mission

Are you a business owner who has ever said, "My employees don't care about my company's mission statement"? Check out this article.

15 days ago

should a teenager have an emergency fund 205...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Should a teenager have an emergency fund, too?

One of Dave Ramsey's followers wonders if he should encourage his teenager, who has a part-time job, to create an emergency fund.

20 days ago

Sales management job caught your eye? 2 email tips to follow...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: How many follow-up emails should you send after a job interview?

In this letter, a listener of the Dave Ramsey Show asks him how many follow-up emails she should sent after applying to a sales management job.

27 days ago

financial obligations Phoenix Arizona money...

Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey says: Honor your financial obligations

Financial expert Dave Ramsey shares a letter from a reader and shares advice on why it's important to honor your financial obligations.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Stop making comparisons with others and love your own Christmas