Just for fun, I decided to copy and paste our expenses into ChatGPT and have it write a story about our holiday spending. I was pleasantly surprised at the comic relief I got from this! I felt weirdly better about it too.
My wife and I tracked our Christmas and holiday spending with a Google Form this year. Nevertheless, this is normal and we discuss and adjust our savings for next year. We use this data during our annual Money Day.
Here’s the story ChatGPT about our holiday spending:
A Season of Generosity and Joy
In a chilly November, Brandon and Becca found themselves swept up in the enchantment of the holiday season. Eager to share joy and warmth, they embarked on a festive journey of gift-giving and merriment.
The Gift Tree’s Magic
It all began on a crisp afternoon, November 10th, when the duo discovered the Salvation Army gift tree. Their hearts swelled with compassion as they selected thoughtful presents for a boy and a girl, ensuring those little hearts would be aglow come Christmas morning.
The following day, they turned their attention to the children of friends, pouring love and generosity into carefully chosen Christmas gifts. With shared smiles, they imagined the delight these presents would bring.
Friends’ Children and Whimsical Sweaters
November 11th brought a touch of whimsy as Brandon and Becca adorned themselves in Christmas sweaters, embracing the holiday spirit with a touch of fashion. To make the countdown to Christmas even more exciting, they invested in an Advent Calendar, ensuring each day held a small treasure leading up to the grand celebration.
Gabe’s Treasures
Gabe’s, a treasure trove of holiday delights, beckoned them on November 12th. Their cart brimmed with Christmas cards, a cozy rug, soothing lotions, and wine gift bags, all setting the stage for heartfelt greetings and thoughtful gifts.
Cozy Comforts and Festive Decor
Pajamas, a wreath, and all the necessary wrapping supplies filled their shopping bags on November 13th. The cozy attire and festive decorations promised to transform their home into a haven of holiday cheer.
Generosity Knows No Bounds
As days passed, their generosity knew no bounds. Angel tree items, a telescope, and fuel for their truck were added to the list. They embraced the spirit of giving, making sure their loved ones and those in need felt the warmth of the season.
Significant Gifting
December 6th marked a day of significant gifting. From GameStop delights for [son’s name removed] to Carhartt apparel and special presents for others, the day’s expenses reached new heights. A new TV, a DVD player, and goodies plates found their way into their home, symbolizing shared moments and laughter.
Pampering in the Midst of Hustle
Amidst the hustle, they didn’t forget to pamper themselves. On December 16th, a pedicure gift certificate promised relaxation after the holiday rush.
Stocking Stuffers and Playful Touches
As the magical day approached, they gathered stocking stuffers, Christmas treats, and a few surprises for good measure. The Saran Ball items and a Fortnite Nerf Gun added a playful touch to the festivities.
Final Stretch and Cozy Essentials
In the final stretch, stocking stuffers from Target, a cozy coat for Becca, and housecoat essentials were acquired. Shipping expenses ensured that Becca’s coat would reach its new home in time for the celebrations.
A Home Glowing with Warmth
With hearts full of love and a house adorned with holiday treasures, Brandon and Becca reveled in the joy of giving. Their purchases weren’t just transactions; they were investments in memories, laughter, and the magic that only the holiday season could bring. As the clock struck midnight on Christmas Eve, their home glowed with the warmth of the season, a testament to the love and care that went into every carefully chosen gift. And so, the tale of a heartfelt and joyous Christmas came to a close, leaving behind memories that would be cherished for years to come.
***End Story***
My Key Takeaways
Basically, this was a gloriously fun exercise. It did make me feel a tiny bit better about spending so much money over the holidays. We did go slightly over budget ($93.77 to be exact). However, we came up with the extra cash from our “extra money” account. Here’s the big takeaways I got from analyzing our holiday spending:
- We were pretty accurate on our budget we set.
- ChatGPT is a little inaccurate. However, it is quite generous with its kind description of our spending (which weirdly makes me feel better).
- We spent more on others than we did ourselves (by a pretty good margin).
- Our holiday party cost way more than we originally thought.
- I should do this more often!
I really enjoy looking through the expenses and analyzing how our spending relates to our values. Also, it was fun hearing the (very generous) story that AI told from just our spending alone. It really makes me think about Carl Richards saying, “The Calendar and the checkbook never lie.”
If you want to prevent holiday spending regrets, I recommend you start saving now for next year. There’s a tab for this on my free budget template.