If you’ve ever opened a January credit card statement and suffered sticker shock, you’re not alone. According to a 2025 AICPA holiday spending survey conducted by The Harris Poll, 39% of Americans who plan to spend on gifts or holiday travel say they’ve felt regret about spending too much on the holidays.
That regret isn’t just about the money. It’s the emotional weight that comes with it—the stress of unexpected balances, the frustration of watching long-term goals get pushed aside, and that regret you feel when you start off a new year already playing financial catch-up. Holiday spending overdone isn’t just about the holidays—it can set the tone for the entire next year.
Holidays amplify excitement, generosity and social pressure. But the good news is that the moment regret shows up, you have a chance to turn it around and do better next year.
Turning Regret Into a Reset
Holiday overspending doesn’t have to define your year. In fact, it can be the spark that helps you build stronger financial habits moving forward. Here’s how to shift from stressed to strategic:
1. Assess the damage without judgment. Look at what you spent, where you overspent, and what surprised you. Treat it like data, not a personal failure.
2. Make a repayment plan immediately. If you have holiday debt, map out:
· How much you can realistically pay each month
· How long it will take to pay it off
· Which debt has the highest interest rate — tackle that first
Even a modest repayment plan reduces stress because you can see the finish line.
3. Build a “holiday recovery” month into your budget. January or February can be your damage-control month. Tighten discretionary spending temporarily to speed up debt payoff, so you’re not spending your summer vacation still paying off your Christmas bills.
4. Create a 2026 spending blueprint. Instead of waiting until next November to think about gift budgets, lay the groundwork now. That includes:
· Re-evaluating your overall financial goals
· Planning for vacations, big purchases, or life changes
· Setting monthly savings targets that align with those goals
5. Start a fund for the 2026 holiday season. This is the biggest long-term difference-maker. Set aside a small amount each month—$20, $50, $100, whatever fits. By next December, you’ll have a dedicated holiday fund and far less stress.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Overspending happens. Regret happens. But both are powerful signals that it’s time to reset the financial foundation. When you use those signals to your advantage, you set yourself up for a stronger year—one with fewer surprises, more confidence, and a holiday season that doesn’t derail your goals.
A thoughtful spending plan now means next year’s holidays can be joyful and financially stress-free. That’s a New Year’s tradition worth keeping.