What is “Christmas Shaming?”
Christmas shaming is a real problem and it happens when people shame you for starting to celebrate and prepare too early. What is considered to be “too early” is completely decided by the person who is judging/shaming. So, individuals who love Christmas and throw their tree up the day after Halloween are often shamed by others for celebrating too early.
If you’ve been Christmas shamed, I’m right there with you. It’s my favorite holiday. However, listening to those negative comments could impact your finances and your Christmas holiday.
Why You Shouldn’t Let People Christmas Shame You
There are a plethora of reasons why you shouldn’t shame people but there are also tons of reasons why you shouldn’t feel bad if they do. In fact, those who Christmas shame don’t realize that starting to celebrate early can actually benefit you. You shouldn’t feel bad for getting a headstart on one of the biggest holidays of the year though and here’s why…
- Shopping early can save money. Many stores begin to offer deals earlier in the year. If you get started on your Christmas shopping early it can actually help you save money. So, if you’re shopping and see the perfect gift at the perfect price, why wouldn’t you pick it up? Christmas shaming might stop you but you shouldn’t let it.
- Helps you better plan for the holiday. It’s simple. Starting earlier gives you more time to plan things out. If you have numerous family members to shop for and visit with, starting early can be necessary.
- Able to enjoy Christmas. When you start celebrating, shopping and preparing early you are able to actually enjoy the Christmas holiday. Christmas shamers believe Christmas should be contained within a few weeks in December. By starting a little early, you can really take time to enjoy the holiday because you won’t be as rushed.
- Christmas will not be a debt sentence. Another reason you shouldn’t listen to people who Christmas shame is that you are being financially responsible. Planning things out, budgeting for Christmas and starting early will keep you from racking up Christmas debt. There are plenty of individuals who go into debt every single year in order to celebrate.
- It’s your life! The last reason you shouldn’t allow people to Christmas shame you is that it is your life. You should live it how you want to! If you want to celebrate Christmas all year long, do it (though it may not be very cost effective if you’re a gift-giver). Don’t let other people shame you into not doing what you want to do.
While this post may seem a bit humorous, planning and budgeting are extremely important pieces of your personal finance puzzle (whether it’s the Christmas season or not). Stay on top of your finances by using planners and, of course, ignoring the Christmas shamers.
Readers, when did you start getting ready for Christmas?
Amanda Blankenship is the Director of Social Media for District Media. In addition to her duties handling everything social media, she frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.