Holiday shopping has a way of arriving faster than expected, and the bills can linger long after the decorations come down. PwC’s 2026 Holiday Outlook found that consumers expect to spend an average of $708 on gifts, while households with children anticipate spending about $875. Instead of relying on credit cards to absorb holiday spending, trimming everyday expenses now could create breathing room in your budget. Even finding $25 to $50 a week could build a useful holiday fund before the busiest shopping weeks arrive.
