The holidays tend to arrive with a lot of noise. Sales emails pile up, wish lists get longer, and there’s often an unspoken pressure to make everything feel extra: extra festive, extra generous, extra memorable. For many people, that pressure can quietly turn into financial stress, even when the intention is simply to show care.

But when you think back on your favorite holiday memories, chances are they aren’t tied to how much money was spent. They’re about how you felt. Relaxed, connected, safe, or present. That’s an important reminder, especially during a season when spending can easily outpace intention.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the holidays while staying aligned with your financial goals, here are a few traditions that don’t revolve around spending money. Afterall, there’s still a week and a half left of the holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of using the self-checkout at stores and opening my Amazon app. I need to spend these last few days doing anything but shopping.

A yearly walk or drive to look at lights
Bundling up, grabbing a warm drink from home, and taking a walk or slow drive through a neighborhood with holiday lights is a simple tradition that costs little to nothing. It’s also a reminder that not every holiday experience needs to be purchased. Yes, you can pay to go to one of those fancy light-show-drive-thru-things, but you can also cruise the suburbs and spot some incredible displays!

A favorite movie night (or movie marathon)
Instead of feeling pressured to keep up with new releases or events, returning to the same movies each year can be both comforting and cost-effective. The value comes from the ritual, not the novelty. A cozy setup at home can feel just as special — if not more — than a night out, without adding strain to your budget. Plus you don’t have to sneak in the grocery store candy, you can walk right up to the couch with it loud and proud!

Writing letters (not just cards)
Gift-giving can sometimes feel transactional, especially when budgets are tight. A handwritten letter shifts the focus back to intention. Writing to someone about why you appreciate them or how they’ve impacted your year costs very little, but it can carry far more emotional weight than a purchased gift.

Cooking or baking one meaningful recipe
Rather than overextending yourself with elaborate meals or multiple events, choosing one dish that feels symbolic of the season can help keep both spending and stress in check. This kind of tradition prioritizes presence over perfection and often becomes something people look forward to year after year.

A personal year-end ritual
Financial wellness isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about reflection and alignment. A quiet year-end ritual — journaling, taking a reflective walk, or noting what you’re proud of — can help you close the year intentionally. These moments can also offer clarity around what you want your money to support in the year ahead.

Giving time, not things
Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply checking in on someone who may need company, giving time can be deeply meaningful. It reframes generosity away from spending and toward connection.

It’s also worth remembering that traditions aren’t fixed. It’s never too late to start a new one or to adjust an old one so it better fits your current season of life or financial reality. Traditions are meant to serve the people creating them, not the other way around.

The holidays don’t have to be a financial stress test. Thoughtful traditions can help create boundaries around spending while still leaving plenty of room for connection, meaning, and joy. Often, the moments that matter most aren’t the most expensive ones, they’re simply the most intentional.

Happy Holidays!

Chandler