The holidays are a time for joy, but they’re also one of the most expensive times of the year. For homeowners, the financial pressure can be even greater. On top of mortgages, utilities and property taxes, the season brings added costs for gifts, food and travel. Without a plan, these extras can strain your budget well into the new year. At BlueHub SUN, we’ve seen how small financial decisions during the holidays can make a big difference in a family’s stability.
Holiday Spending Is Changing
Forecasts show consumers are planning to spend less this holiday season compared to last year, but costs remain high. A recent PwC Holiday Outlook survey found the average person expects to spend about $1,552 this holiday season, down 5% from 2024, with gift spending falling the most.
For homeowners, this creates a double challenge: managing holiday purchases on top of their regular housing expenses. And in 2025, those costs are already squeezing budgets — ATTOM finds that in Q2, homeownership expenses consumed 33.7 % of the average U.S. wage.
What you can do: Before shopping, set a total holiday budget and divide it into categories like gifts, food, travel and extras. Free resources like NerdWallet’s holiday budget guide and Regions Bank’s holiday budget worksheet can help you map out your plan in minutes.
The Hidden Impact of Winter Utilities and Taxes
Winter doesn’t just bring gifts and parties—it also brings higher home expenses. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) projects that most households will pay more to heat their homes this year. Families using electric heat will see about a 10% increase, from an average of $1,093 last winter to $1,205 this year — an increase of roughly $112 for the season. Those who heat with natural gas will pay about 8% more, with average bills rising from $639 to $693, or about $54 more.
Holiday lights, extra cooking and hosting family can drive bills up further. Small steps like switching to LED decorations, lowering the thermostat when guests are over or using a slow cooker instead of the oven can make a difference.
Property taxes can also add seasonal pressure. In many communities, bills are due in December or January, just as holiday expenses peak. For example, Massachusetts homeowners face a quarterly property tax deadline on February 1—meaning payments often fall right after the holidays. Planning ahead ensures you’re not scrambling when that bill arrives.
What you can do: Lower your thermostat a few degrees and seal drafts to cut costs. See Consumer Energy Alliance’s tips for more easy ways to save.
And don’t forget to review your local property tax calendar—many towns post deadlines and payment options on their official websites.
Practical Steps to Stay Balanced
The key to a stress-free holiday season is planning. Start by covering non-negotiables—mortgage, property taxes, insurance, food and utilities—then set a realistic limit for seasonal expenses.
- Set spending caps: Decide on a maximum per gift and stick with it. Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive. Budgeting apps like those on NerdWallet’s Best Budget Apps list can help you track your limits in real time.
- Budget for higher utilities: Add 10–15% to budget in colder months to cover heating and electricity. For ideas to cut household energy use, check out our blog on “How to Winterize your Home”.
- Share costs when entertaining: Make holiday meals a potluck to cut grocery bills while keeping the celebration festive. For ideas that keep costs low without sacrificing flavor, try BudgetBytes’ holiday recipes.
Protecting Your Home and Your Future
Your home is likely your largest investment and protecting it means keeping your finances stable. Overspending during the holidays may not seem like much in the moment but it can leave you short for heating bills, property taxes, or even mortgage payments in the months that follow.
With planning, realistic limits and trusted tools, you can celebrate the season without financial regret. At BlueHub SUN, we believe financial wellness shines brightest when families feel secure in their homes—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
