Hospitality Management Professor Wan Yang shares advice on celebrating Christmas meaningfully and on a budget, emphasizing that the most memorable holiday moments — like homemade treats, handwritten cards and shared activities — cost very little. She warns that the biggest money-wasters stem from chasing “perfect” social-media holidays or overbuying during sales, urging families instead to focus on connection. Yang also notes that mindful planning and flexible travel dates can help holiday travelers save without sacrificing joy.

This article was originally published by WalletHub.com on December 16, 2025.