Deinfluencing, Holiday Edition: 5 Simple Ways to Make the Holidays Special Without Overspending

The holidays don't have to cost a fortune to feel special.

Use these strategies to create meaningful holiday memories that won't strain your budget or compromise what the season is really about.

There's enormous pressure during the holiday season to spend on perfect gifts, elaborate decorations, festive outfits, and all the little details that we're told make celebrations "meaningful". But some of my most cherished holiday memories cost almost nothing, while expensive gifts I received years ago have long been forgotten.

If you're looking for ways to make this holiday season special without overspending, you're not alone. More importantly, you're asking the right question: what actually makes holidays memorable? Here are five approaches that prioritize connection and experience over consumption.

1. Rethink Gift Exchanges (Or Skip Them Entirely)

One of the most liberating conversations you can have with family or friends is proposing to skip traditional gift exchanges altogether. This works especially well with extended family or friend groups where you've all been buying somewhat obligatory gifts for years.

The key is framing it positively: "What if instead of exchanging gifts this year, we just focused on spending time together?" Most people feel relieved by this suggestion because they're probably feeling the same gift-giving pressure.

Alternative approaches:

• Set a strict dollar limit ($20 or less) and make finding creative gifts within that constraint part of the fun

• Name draw with one person instead of buying for everyone

• Handmade or homemade only rule that emphasizes thoughtfulness over spending

• Experience exchange where you give coupons for future experiences together (hiking trip, movie night, homemade dinner)

  
  

The best part is there is no wrong method, and you and your family can choose whatever works best for you. No one will remember years from now what gifts they didn't receive, but they will remember the stress-free holiday gathering where everyone actually relaxed and enjoyed each other's company.

2. Choose Experiences Over Objects

Instead of exchanging physical gifts, propose meeting up for an experience together. Going out to dinner, attending a holiday lights display, ice skating, or even just taking a walk through a festively decorated neighborhood creates memories that last far longer than most material gifts.

A $40 dinner together might cost the same as the gift you would have bought, but you get conversation, laughter, and quality time, which are the things that actually strengthen relationships. Plus, experiences don't require storage space or create clutter in anyone's home.

This approach works particularly well for relationships where you're struggling to think of what to buy someone. Rather than purchasing something they might not want or need, you're offering time together, which is often what people actually crave during the holidays.

3. Start Low-Cost Traditions That Feel Special

The traditions that make holidays meaningful rarely require significant spending. Consider starting new rituals that create anticipation and connection without financial stress:

• Holiday movie marathon nights with homemade popcorn and everyone in pajamas

• Annual neighborhood lights walk on the same night each year

• Cookie decorating party where everyone brings simple ingredients to share

• Letters to future selves written each New Year's Eve and opened the following year

• Winter solstice gathering with candles and reflections on the year

• Hot chocolate bar at home instead of expensive café visits

• Game night tournament with existing games you already own

  
  

What makes these traditions special is the consistency, the anticipation, and the shared experience year after year.

4. Make Great Homemade Gifts

Not all homemade gifts are created equal. Skip the crafts that require buying expensive supplies just to make something "homemade." Instead, focus on gifts that showcase actual skills or thoughtfulness:

• Baked goods using ingredients you already have

• Photo albums or digital photo books with pictures you've already taken

• Playlist or mixtape curated for that specific person

• Written letters or poems expressing what that person means to you

• Recipe collections of family favorites written out beautifully

• Preserved foods like jams or pickles if you already have the supplies

  
  

The key is making something that feels personal and uses resources you already have, rather than viewing "homemade" as an excuse to spend differently but still end up spending significantly.

5. Host Potluck Gatherings Instead of Providing Everything

If you're hosting holiday celebrations, release yourself from the expectation of providing elaborate spreads. Potluck-style gatherings where everyone contributes a dish not only reduce your financial burden but also create a more collaborative, relaxed atmosphere.

People genuinely enjoy contributing to celebrations. It makes them feel involved rather than just attended to, and you get variety without the stress of cooking everything yourself. Plus, potlucks often surface family recipes and cooking traditions that wouldn't otherwise be shared.

Make it work:

• Create a shared sign-up list so dishes don't duplicate

• Assign categories (appetizers, mains, sides, desserts) rather than specific dishes

• Provide the main element yourself (turkey, ham, main course) and let others fill in the rest

• Emphasize that simple contributions are perfect and no one needs to stress about impressing everyone

  
  

What Really Makes Holidays Special

After years of varying holiday experiences, I've realized that the most meaningful celebrations have little to do with how much was spent.

The best holidays happen when:

• People are present rather than stressed about logistics or finances

• There's laughter and genuine conversation

• The focus is on connection rather than consumption

• Traditions feel intentional rather than obligatory

• Everyone feels they can relax and be themselves

  
  

These elements cost nothing but intention and permission to do holidays differently, prioritizing what actually matters and letting go of expensive expectations that don't serve anyone.

This holiday season, maybe the most meaningful gift you can give yourself and others is the freedom from financial stress. Remember that making an experience "special" doesn't have to require spending more, but rather focusing on time, presence, and experiences that actually create lasting memories.

What are your favorite low-cost holiday traditions? I'd love to hear about the simple things that make your celebrations feel special.