The holidays in Squamish are special—snow dusting the Chief, festive lights downtown, markets full of local makers, and families gathering after a busy year. But for many households, this season also brings a familiar pressure: how do we celebrate meaningfully without overspending?
With rising grocery prices, higher interest rates, and the everyday cost of living creeping up, it’s no surprise that many local families are feeling stretched.
Here are some practical, realistic ways to keep holiday spending in check—while still making the season warm, memorable, and fun.
1. Start With a Simple Holiday Budget (That Actually Works)
Rather than building a complicated spreadsheet, try this easy three-bucket approach:
-
Gifts
-
Experiences & Events
-
Food & Entertaining
Assign a rough number to each bucket. It doesn’t have to be perfect—but having a structure helps you avoid that end-of-December “How did we spend that much?” moment.
Squamish tip: Check out the local craft fairs and small makers—unique gifts often cost less and support local entrepreneurs.
2. Shift from “More Stuff” to “Shared Moments”
One of the great things about living in Squamish is how many free or low-cost winter activities we have:
-
Family walk or bike ride along the Mamquam River
-
Stroll along the Oceanfront
-
Afternoon at the Brennan Park pool
-
Hot chocolate after sledding at the local hills
Drive around to check out the Christmas light displays
Experiences tend to cost less—and make better memories.
3. Set a Realistic Gift Plan
Before shopping, make a list of who you’re buying for, then set individual budgets. This simple step cuts impulse purchases by a lot.
If you're trying to keep costs down without cutting quality:
-
Try “something to read, wear, want, and need” for kids.
-
Suggest a family gift exchange instead of buying for everyone.
-
Consider homemade gifts or “experience coupons” (babysitting, home-baked treats, ski-tuning help, etc.).
4. Watch the Small Holiday Add-Ons
Seasonal spending isn’t just gifts and dinners. It’s the little things:
Individually small—but together they add up. Build a little cushion for these in your budget so you’re not caught off guard.
5. Review Your Financial Picture Before the New Year
December is a great time to step back and look at the bigger picture:
-
Are you comfortable with your current mortgage strategy?
-
Is your debt load increasing or staying stable?
-
Is 2025 the year you want to accelerate your savings or update your financial goals?
Even a quick check-in can set you up for a smoother year ahead.
Final Thought
Squamish is a wonderful place to enjoy a meaningful, memory-filled holiday season without getting swept up in the financial pressure that can come with it. With a simple plan and a little local creativity, you can keep your budget in check while still embracing everything that makes this community so special.
If you ever want a personalized check-in on your mortgage or financial picture heading into 2025, I’m always here to help.