The most common Israeli excuse for procrastination is: “After the holidays.” The problem is that “after the holidays” eventually arrives, and by then, it’s often too late. The New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start. When should you begin? Now—before the holidays. Here’s a collection of tips for a smooth and budget-friendly holiday season.
Preliminary Preparation: Budgeting
Expenses fluctuate throughout the year—some months are particularly costly, while others remain relatively stable. At this time of year, your bank account is under pressure on three fronts:
- Summer vacation expenses are already hitting your credit card this month.
- Back-to-school purchases are waiting for their turn in the next billing cycle.
- The holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot) and their expenses are already looming.
Now is the perfect time to take a deep breath and create a budget for the holiday season. Your budget should be divided into clear categories: holiday meals, clothing, gifts, and entertainment. Without a well-planned budget, you risk losing financial control, only to wake up to a negative balance “after the holidays.”
Gift Cards Are Not “Extra” Money—They Are Money
Received holiday gift cards? Great! Many people treat them as an excuse for unnecessary indulgences, thinking, “I can splurge—it’s free money!” However, from a realistic financial perspective, gift cards are part of your income and should be treated as such.
Tip: Use your gift cards for purchases you were already planning as part of your holiday budget.
And one more thing: Always carry your gift cards with you! Gift cards have an expiration date, and it would be a shame to discover on Passover that your coupons expired months ago while sitting in a forgotten drawer.
A Strategic Approach to Supermarket Shopping
A trip to the supermarket before the holidays is like entering a battlefield of aggressive marketing. If regular grocery shopping is a challenge, holiday shopping is a full-scale war.
Tips for Smart Shopping:
* Make a shopping list and stick to it.
* Avoid purchasing in installments—this can create an illusion of affordability while
accumulating debt.
* Resist impulse buys—if you struggle with temptations, consider shopping online to avoid
unnecessary spending.
* Compare prices carefully—not every “sale” is truly a bargain. Always check package sizes,
unit prices, and the fine print on coupons.
Hosting Guests: Plan Wisely
Hosting is a wonderful part of the holidays, but let’s be honest: it’s expensive.
Before you start preparing, ask yourself:
* How many people are coming?
* How many meals will they attend?
* Can guests contribute?
It’s common for guests to bring food—don’t hesitate to ask them to bring a dish! This reduces your burden and ensures a more enjoyable gathering for everyone.
Managing Holiday Events Without Breaking the Bank
For some families, one event leads to another, creating an endless cycle of meals, gatherings, and outings. While family time is important, it’s also essential to prioritize.
Ask yourself:
* Do you need to attend every distant relative’s gathering?
* Would you rather spend quality time with close friends instead?
* Can you carpool with others to save on travel costs?
* Do you really need a new outfit for every event?
* Is a gift necessary, or could a heartfelt gesture be just as meaningful?
Smart Holiday Gifting
No, we’re not telling you to skip gifts—but there are ways to give thoughtful presents without overspending.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Gifting:
* Shop outside expensive mall stores—online marketplaces and local shops often have
better deals.
* Reuse gifts you’ve saved for “someday”—now might be that day!
* Consider a group gift—a single, meaningful family present is often better than several small,
forgettable ones.
* Ask others to split the cost—you’d be surprised how many family members are happy to
share expenses.
And most importantly: Don’t forget the gift receipt! The ability to exchange an item is often more valuable than the gift itself.
Big Purchases: Think Before You Buy
Some people take Rosh Hashanah as an opportunity to replace furniture or make large purchases. While renewal is exciting, timing matters.
Smart Shopping Strategy:
* Furniture is best bought toward the end of the year when stores reduce prices before
inventory counts.
* Ask yourself: Is this really necessary? Furniture lasts for years, and its condition may not
justify replacement.
* If you haven’t planned ahead, don’t rush into an expensive purchase.
New Clothes: Buy Smart
We’re not arguing against the tradition of new clothes for the holidays—on the contrary! But why stop at one outfit when you can plan for the entire year?
Tips for Clothing Shopping:
* Take advantage of seasonal sales—use this opportunity to stock up on essentials.
* Compare prices before buying—some deals are better than others.
* Check outlet stores—they often have great finds at lower prices.
* Look for last season’s inventory—it’s often just as stylish at a fraction of the price.
Chol Hamoed: Fun Without Overspending
The summer vacation just ended, and already the calendar gifts us with another holiday break. Chol Hamoed is the perfect time to explore nature with the kids—without spending a fortune.
Budget-Friendly Holiday Tips:
* Consider cheaper accommodations—a simple hotel or rental apartment can be just as fun.
* Plan a mix of free and paid activities—nature hikes, free tours, and public performances
can be just as enjoyable as expensive attractions.
* Use discount programs—check if you have access to deals through organizations like the
Teachers Union or consumer clubs.
* Drive safely—good driving habits save both fuel and money.
Print this list and stick it on your fridge—now! Not “after the holidays.”
