Why You Should Start Saving for the Holidays Now, Even If It Feels Early

We know what you're probably thinking. It’s January. The holidays just ended, the decorations are barely packed away, and you’re still working through leftover cookie tins. So why would anyone want to talk about the holidays again already?

A lot of people feel that way. But what if starting to think about the holidays right now could completely change how you experience them? It might seem strange to plan for something that’s eleven months away, but the season always sneaks up faster than you expect. One day you’re enjoying summer cookouts, and suddenly it’s November and you’re panicking over gift lists and travel plans.

Instead of watching your bank account drain in December or carrying credit card debt into the new year, you could head into the season with a plan and the money to back it up. It’s never too soon to start thinking about the holidays, especially if you want them to feel different next time.

The Hidden Costs of the Holidays

Let’s talk about where the money actually goes, because it’s not just about buying gifts. Sure, presents are a big part of it, but there are so many other expenses that pop up during the season and catch people off guard.

There’s travel if you’re visiting family or friends. Gas prices, flights, hotel rooms, it all adds up fast. Then there’s food. Hosting a big dinner or bringing a dish to someone else’s gathering can send grocery bills through the roof in November and December. And don’t forget about decorations. You might be replacing worn-out lights or picking up a fresh wreath for the door.

And then there are the parties. Office parties, Friendsgiving dinners, kids’ school events. Each one might not seem like much, but once you factor in bringing a bottle of wine or chipping in for a group gift, those small costs start to stack up.

According to recent reports, the average household spends around $900 during the holiday season. That includes everything from gifts to decorations to food and entertainment. For some families, it’s more. For others, it’s less. But either way, that’s a big chunk of money to come up with all at once, especially in a season when everything else feels more expensive too.

Why Starting Early Really Pays Off

Spreading Out the Cost

Here's what happens when you start saving in January instead of waiting until October or November. Instead of scrambling to find $900 all at once, you're spreading that amount over eleven or twelve months. That's roughly $81 to $75 a month, or about $20 a week.

Time is On Your Side

But there's another advantage to starting early that doesn't get talked about enough. You have time. Time to wait for sales. Time to use cashback offers and rewards programs. Time to compare prices and find better deals.

You can take advantage of back-to-school sales for certain items. You can spread out your shopping trips instead of doing everything in one exhausting weekend.

Less Stress

There’s also an emotional side to this that shouldn’t be ignored. Financial stress during the holidays is real, and it can overshadow what should be a time spent with people you care about. When you're worried about how you're going to pay for everything, or already dreading the credit card statement that's coming in January, it's hard to be present.

Starting early gives you breathing room. It lets you focus on the parts of the season that actually have value, the time with family, the traditions, the memories, instead of constantly calculating costs in your head.

How to Start Saving Now

So how do you actually do this? One of the best approaches is to set up a separate account specifically for holiday spending. This can take many forms depending on what works for you and your routine.

You could try the envelope system if you prefer using cash. Just label an envelope "Holidays" and put money in it every week or every paycheck. But the most efficient and safest way is to create an account with a financial institution.

Having a dedicated savings account keeps your holiday money separate from your everyday spending, which means you're less likely to dip into it for other things.

Some banks and credit unions in the greater Acadiana area offer savings accounts designed specifically for holiday spending. One example is our Christmas Club Account. These accounts help you save throughout the year without having to think about it too much.

Our Christmas Club Account earns the same interest as a regular savings account, so your money is still growing while it sits there. The balance gets deposited automatically on the first business day in November. You're not scrambling to transfer funds or trying to figure out how much you saved. It's all there, ready to go.

Small Amounts Add Up

Let's look at what consistent saving actually looks like. If you put away $10 a week starting now, by November you'll have over $390. If you can manage $20 a week, you're looking at more than $780. Even small amounts build up over time, and that's money you won't have to stress about finding later.

Read also: Shop Early and Stress Less: Your Guide to Holiday Gift Planning

Start Now, Enjoy Later

At the end of the day, saving for the holidays early is about helping your future self and your family. The sooner you start, the smoother your holidays will feel.

If you're ready to open a holiday savings account or want to learn more about our Christmas Club Account, visit our branch in Lafayette or New Iberia. We proudly serve members in Lafayette, Acadia, Iberia, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes, and we'd be happy to help you set up a savings plan that fits your situation.