The holidays are supposed to sparkle. Twinkling lights, festive music, and endless promises of joy fill the air. Yet, for many, the season also comes with a sneaky sidekick: financial stress. That sudden pressure to buy gifts, host events, and appear cheerful—even when your bank account is screaming “pause”—can feel like performing in a high-stakes theater. It’s a performance nobody rehearsed for, yet everyone expects a flawless act of happiness.
