The Year We Pressed Pause on the Holidays for a New Home

Lessons in Taking Control of Your Finances

Samantha looked down at her list, jotting down everything she needed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was thrilled to host this year and, with her sights set on becoming a homeowner soon, was already dreaming up her ideal dining room set up in a place she could finally call her own. But as quickly as her excitement built, it faded when she thought of the costs. Between gifts, travel, decorations, and holiday dinners, expenses were about to pile up fast.

For many, the holidays are packed with joy, family gatherings, and... a lot of spending. But for anyone with plans to buy a home next year, like Samantha, holiday spending choices can make a big impact. This year, Samantha knew she’d need to pause and rethink her priorities. She asked herself what was most important: hosIng, giving extravagant gifts, or moving closer to buying her first home?

Samantha loved being generous and putting others first, especially during the holidays. But this year, she considered putting her own needs first—just this once. She thought, The kids will understand if I explain why this is so important. Samantha shared her plans with her kids, bracing for disappointment, but to her surprise, they were excited and fully supportive! They agreed to keep Christmas simple this year—no video games, no pricey sneakers, no new gadgets—just meaningful gifts within their new plan. This gave Samantha hope, but now, she had to talk with her parents. "Mom, Dad…" Samantha began, sharing her goal of buying a home in the new year. "This means I won’t be hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this time." Her parents were supportive and reassured her that the family’s goal was her happiness.

With everyone on board, Samantha felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She picked up some extra shifts and decided to enter full-on savings mode, setting aside every extra dollar for her future home. Each step, each choice, brought her closer to her dream, and she felt more empowered than ever to make it a reality.

Like Samantha, you too can take control of your finances and prioritize what matters most—even during the holiday season. It’s easy to get caught up in spending on gifts, decorations, and dinners, but remember, each dollar saved now brings you closer to your dreams. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to spend big. Setting a goal, having a plan, and involving loved ones can make all the difference. Sometimes, choosing your long-term happiness over temporary celebrations is the greatest gift you can give yourself. So, if a big goal like homeownership is on your horizon, think about making this holiday season a bit simpler and start putting your dreams first. Your future self will thank you!