It’s that time of the year when we are constantly reminded of all the things we should buy and have more of an excuse than ever to buy them.

What if you don’t want to buy anything?

Unfortunately there is always something that we feel we are lacking / which we desire in life. And this time of the year is designed to remind people of what that is, making them go crazy and SPEND!

Did the capital letters and exclamation mark make your heart leap a little? Well, same here.

I woke up on Friday to a load of emails emphasizing how I don’t want to miss out on products which seemed thoughtfully selected for me. The messages were all written with capital letters, bossy verbs and exclamation marks.

Next thing you know, I’ve an adrenaline rush as I’m browsing the ‘jeans’ category on ASOS trying to accurately measure my waist size and leg length BEFORE THEY’RE GONE.

Irrational Saoirse: If I don’t buy the jeans now, I won’t be able to afford them later.

Rational Saoirse: Don’t be ridiculous, there will be January Sales.

Irrational Saoirse: There’s only 1 pair left. Better get them before they sell out!

Rational Saoirse: Do I need them though? And will they even fit? Christmas is coming..

Irrational Saoirse: You’ll make sure they fit. Worse case scenario, join the gym in January. There’s no time to waste.

Rational Saoirse: I didn’t think I needed jeans till the email told me so, or a gym membership. Maybe I can give this sale a miss?

Irrational Saoirse: Dem jeans doh.

*Click*

Order confirmed. Your estimated delivery date is: December 4th.

So, what tools can we use to survive the holidays and ensure we are in control of our spending instead of reacting in a state of desperation?

• Take a deep breath. Actually take 20 deep breaths. Put your phone down for a minute if you are online shopping. Go outside for some fresh air if you are in stores. I honestly think SALES can switch your mind to a panic mode of fight or flight. So take a minute to calm yourself and ask DO I WANT THIS? OR IS THE STORE MAKING ME THINK I WANT THIS?
• Make a list of things you would be really happy to receive as a gift / treat yoself to. Writing down what we really want will give you a rational understanding of what your values are and what you are satisfied with buying in the midst of crazy sales.
• Talk to someone. Saying the words out loud and chatting about it will help you think rationally i.e. if you actually want them and why you are getting them. But if your friends are like mine they might just reassure you that you deserve to splash out.
• If you are swapping gifts with loved ones this christmas, it can be super helpful to tell them what you want. The saddest part of the holidays is when people EXPECT you to know what they’d like then end up disappointed. So begins the silent resentment underneath the fake smiles and ‘do they even know me?’ thoughts. Remember, your loved ones aren’t mind readers. If you have selective expectations, telling people what you’d like might actually be a win win for everyone. This will also make shopping easier to manage. (THERE’S A REASON KIDS WRITE LISTS TO SANTA).
• I think it’s great to treat yourself, but January can be an extremely depressing time for a lot of people because of the amount they’ve spent on nights out, presents, and unexpected sales. So it could be helpful for you to try approach sales in a calm collective way to help figure out if you really want what you’re buying. Instead of getting sucked in by scary emails DEMANDING you NEED these products NOW or they will be GONE!!!
  

Do not underestimate the power of language, advertisements and influencers in convincing you to buy something. Though it might give you a short-term high of an adrenaline rush, I suggest making sure it’s something you actually want instead of just buying a momentary feeling.