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Want a Debt-free Christmas 2020?

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that Americans are swimming in debt. I, for one, have chosen not to participate in the debt game.

I have read that the average American pays for their Christmas each year with credit cards. These families are still paying off their holidays the following year!

How would you like to avoid going into debt during this holiday season? Do you want a debt-free Christmas 2020?

First Steps Towards a Debt-free Christmas 2020

The first step to having a debt-free Christmas is to have a plan.

October is the perfect time to start making these holiday plans.

I like to start out by grabbing either a red or a green notebook. Of course, it has to be one of the $0.25 ones I picked up from Walmart during the back-to-school sales.

This is your time to dream. Write down everything that you would like to have included in your ultimate dream Christmas.

Don’t panic. I realize you are not going to be able to do everything included on your dream Christmas list, but this is the time to write it all down.

Once you have it written down, then you will be able to refer to this list over the years. Remember, Christmas is never over; it’s always coming!

This list gives you the opportunity to work a little bit towards your dream Christmas every year.

It also gives you a chance to see it in black and white. This makes it easier to decide whether or it is realistic or not.

Having a written plan, continually re-evaluating your plan, and working your plan throughout the year will take the, Oh, my goodness it’s almost Christmas panic out of your life. It will also keep you from going into debt.

Remember, your ultimate goal is to have a debt-free Christmas 2020.

Ask Yourself Questions

Just start writing. Write out your holiday goals.

What do you want to do this Christmas? What would you like future Christmases to look like?

How would you like to decorate?

Will you be sending Christmas cards this year?

What about family portraits?

Will you be serving any meals throughout the holiday season?

Do you or does anyone in your family need holiday attire? What are your family’s clothing and shoe sizes?

Which charities do you plan on giving to this year?

Who will you be giving gifts to this year, and which gifts are on your list?

Are the people closest to you hoping to get something specific for Christmas?

Do you have certain things you always give at Christmas time?

What are your holiday traditions?

And, of course, probably most important for making sure you have a debt-free Christmas, decide on a holiday budget.

I like to include Thanksgiving in these plans. I also include any family birthdays, Christmas Eve traditions, and New Year’s Eve plans that we may have this year.

I write down meal plans, including things I plan on taking to family gatherings.

I also write down my plan for wrapping all of the gifts.

I just feel better having all of my holiday season plans put together into one notebook that is easily accessible.

Examine Your List

That was the fun part. Now is the time to examine your list and be realistic. Time is short for Christmas 2020. The holidays are coming faster than you may think.

Which things do you want to include in this year’s Christmas and which things would you like to include eventually?

Which things can be taken off the list entirely?

Maybe it’s time to simplify your Christmas gift-giving list.

Take a serious look at all of the names on this list.

Maybe the mailman can be given some homemade cookies instead of a $20 gift card this year. Perhaps Uncle Jim can be taken off from the list entirely.

This will enable you to focus on the things that truly matter. Remember you want to establish your goals, then work towards reaching them.

That’s it!

That’s it! Creating your list, asking yourself a lot of questions, then re-evaluating your list is the first step towards a debt-free Christmas 2020!

Don’t wait! Get started today on your holiday notebook.

Make sure you check out my article on how I am simplifying Christmas 2020, especially when it comes to giving gifts to my 12 children and 18 grandchildren! GO HERE to read How I’m Simplifying Christmas 2020.

Afterall, who doesn’t want a debt-free Christmas 2020!?!

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