Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas on a Budget
As Christians, Advent is such a great opportunity to share with loved ones what the birth of Christ truly means. However, it’s also a time that can be overwhelming in many ways, including financially.
This month, our advisors wanted to share some personal insights on how they’ve been able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in a way that’s affordable.
Ben Wacek
While gift giving is a significant part of our family’s Christmas traditions, we point out to each other that each gift that we give and receive during Christmas is an opportunity to be reminded of the gift that God gave to us: His Son - the best gift of all!
And though it’s often a challenge to find the time amidst the many commitments our family has, we try to make time each evening to do an advent devotional together. This year we’re going through Kevin DeYoung and Don Clark's “The Biggest Story Advent.” It includes 25 advent devotionals for kids that start from the beginning of the Bible. Each reading includes a flap to open with a beautiful illustration. We take turns reading each day and it has been a great way to point us all back to the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, our saviour, and the one who fulfilled God’s promises to us. This tradition costs us very little and the time reading through Scripture as a family is priceless.
Donovan Brooks
Advent, to our family, is often a season of reorienting our hearts and minds back to what matters most during an often busy and chaotic month. We try to capitalize on every moment spent together, because intentional time is our most precious gift we can give, as an opportunity to share about the birth of Christ and what it means for us.
We especially love “activities” during this time of year. For example, we frequent a nearby public park, coined “Holiday Park” post-Thanksgiving, that is lavishly decorated with lights and holiday decor. A simple activity like this allows us to spend quality time together while allowing space to intentionally share about Jesus’ birth. When it gets extremely cold or crummy out you may find us watching “The Star” or other Christmas movies during family movie night that again creates space to share about Jesus.
No matter what we decide, we’ve realized it doesn't have to break the bank and that the most important thing is to take in Christ’s humble story of coming down amongst us.
Kaysi Gordon
Growing up on the island of Jamaica, Christmas celebrations were simple. I had no big, decorated trees. If I remember correctly, gifts were minimal, maybe one or two things. Having been in the United States for 30 years, Christmas tends to be extravagant. I sometimes see parents going into debt to attempt to give their children “the perfect” Christmas.
While we reminisce on the fact that Jesus was given gifts at His birth, I don’t think it’s wise, or necessary, for us to put ourselves at a financial disadvantage to attempt to give gifts that will be tossed aside within days or weeks. Instead of being driven by what’s in the store, ask yourself a question: What would my family (or friends) truly appreciate this season? Maybe, the gift of your presence is more than enough. Maybe, a shared, home cooked meal is exactly what the other person desires of you. Maybe, a tangible need to be covered would go much farther than a toy that will be discarded within a few days. The key is to stop and think, and even maybe, ask the potential recipient.
As a practical example, my teen requested a budget for her to spend as she wishes. This makes my heart happy because I create the amount. She then gets to make decisions around what is important to her, and I get to see her decision making process as she learns to manage her budget.
Chris Wells
When I think about celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, I want to orient my life and my family’s lives around the story of scripture – where we find the true meaning of Christmas. This story stands in contrast to the more “cultural” Christmas traditions.
One thing that our family has done is use the Jesus Storybook Advent Activity Guide. The Jesus Storybook Bible is great because it focuses on how every story in the scriptures points to Jesus – every story whispers his name. The Advent Activity Guide is great because it finds ways to bring the stories to life for young kids. And as you teach the stories to your children and see them come to life in the activities it comes to life for you as well.
One other thing we do as a family to celebrate Christmas is lighting advent candles on each Sunday of Advent. It’s not a complicated tradition. We read a short passage of scripture, sometimes sing or pray, and light a candle each week. It gives us time focused together (instead of being pulled every which way as it typically seems in the holidays) and reminds us that at the heart of Christmas is Jesus – the humble king that set aside the riches of heaven and entered into the mess of the world to save us.
Leo Marte
Christmas celebrates Jesus Christ's birth. From a biblical financial planning perspective, this season tests our stewardship, urging focus on Christ over consumerism.
Set aside a giving target first to donate to the church or other organizations. If you have recently come into a cash windfall, such as from a business sale or inheritance, consider starting a donor-advised fund to get a tax deduction in the current year. You may decide where to allocate proceeds over time, while optimizing for upcoming changes to the tax code in 2026.
When tackling expenses—gifts, food, travel— cap total spending at what your income can cover. For families, thoughtful homemade gifts or experiences outshine pricey items, teaching kids contentment.
This approach keeps consumer debt low and models faithful planning.
Neil Chacko
The heart of Christmas has never been found in expensive presents. It’s found in the joy that came to the world when Christ was born—“good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). When we anchor our celebration in that truth, even a modest budget becomes more than enough.
Focus first on gratitude: set aside time as a family to read the nativity story, pray together, and reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the year. Simple acts of generosity such as baking for neighbors, writing handwritten notes, or volunteering your time and talents for others shine His light without straining your budget. You can also do a family “Secret Santa” or “White Elephant” to stretch the budget even further. Create traditions that build connection: a candlelit dinner at home, singing carols, or sharing testimonies of God’s goodness over the past year.
When Christ remains the center, joy overflows—not because of what we buy, but because of the Savior we were given.
Brien Lasse
It seems to me that the true meaning of Christmas becomes clearer the less extravagant we make it. In fact, celebrating on a budget can help shift the focus from material expectations to the deeper joys of the season—faith, family, and gratitude. By intentionally simplifying, we create space to reflect on the spiritual significance of Christmas and the blessings already present in our lives.
One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate without overspending is through shared experiences. Reading the Christmas story together, volunteering as a family, or hosting a simple potluck with close friends can create memories that last far longer than any gift. Handmade items—like baked goods, handwritten notes, or DIY decorations—also carry a personal touch that reminds others they’re cherished.
Embracing contentment and generosity in small, heartfelt ways can make Christmas truly special. Whether it’s singing carols, enjoying a cozy evening with hot cocoa, or practicing acts of kindness throughout December, these simple traditions help recenter the season around love, connection, and faith.
The deep richness of Christmas is best felt when we simply take the time during this season to appreciate the greatest gift we have already received from our Lord and by blessing at least one person in unexpected, heartfelt, and loving ways.
Conclusion
Above all we hope that you’re able to rest in the peace and joy that the birth of Christ brings during this Advent season. While gifts are a fun way to celebrate Christmas there are countless ways to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in an affordable way.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and we’ll see you in 2026!
Peace be with you!
Hallelujah!
-Your friends at the Christian Financial Advisors Network
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