Plan Your Holiday Spending with Confidence
Christmas is one of the biggest expenses of the year, and without a solid plan, it’s easy to overspend. My husband and I learned early in our marriage that saving a little each month helps keep our holiday spending stress-free.
We set aside money throughout the year in a dedicated savings account, letting it build up until the holiday season arrives. Then, when it’s time to shop, we know exactly how much we have to spend—without dipping into our regular budget.
But even with savings set aside, I needed a clear way to organize our spending. That’s how I created our Christmas Spending Plan, a simple Google Sheets template that helps track every purchase, from gifts to decorations to those little holiday extras that always add up.
Now, I’m sharing it with you—for free.
Why Use a Christmas Spending Plan?
Having a dedicated holiday budget separate from your regular finances makes holiday shopping so much easier. This spending plan helps you:
- Stay on track and avoid overspending
- See at a glance how much has been spent on each person
- Keep gift-giving balanced (especially if you have kids who love fairness)
- Track whether gifts are wrapped and under the tree
- Easily access your budget on your phone while shopping
This tool has completely changed the way we handle Christmas spending, making it less stressful and more intentional.
Why Google Sheets?
I love using Google Sheets because it:
- Syncs across devices – Check your budget from your phone while shopping.
- Allows real-time updates – My husband and I can both see what has been spent and what’s left.
- Keeps everything in one place – No lost receipts or forgotten purchases.
It is a simple but powerful way to manage Christmas finances, and once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
How to Use the Christmas Spending Plan
- Download the free template (link below).
- List out everyone you need to buy for and set a spending limit.
- Track purchases as you go to stay within budget.
- Mark off gifts when they’re wrapped and ready under the tree.
That’s it. A stress-free, organized way to handle holiday shopping.
Download the Free Christmas Spending Plan Template
Ready to take control of your Christmas budget? Download your free spending plan template below and start tracking today.
Get Your Free Christmas Spending Plan Here
Final Thoughts
No matter what your budget is this year, I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, peace, and meaningful moments—because the best gifts don’t come from a store.
If you try out this spending plan, I would love to hear how it worked for you.
Wishing you a holiday season full of love and intentional spending.
– Julie