Many households are unexpectedly shocked when they open their credit card statements in early December.

In fact, a recent survey on gift budgets shows that the numbers have increased significantly this year. One credit card company found that the average gift budget is $1,107, which is an increase of $182 from last year.

Another survey reported a figure of $1,007, while yet another placed it lower at $764. Although the differences are large due to varying methodologies, middle-class families tend to hover around $847.

There is also a clear difference based on income. Households earning less than $50,000 plan to spend $651, while those earning over $100,000 plan for $1,479. Households with median income fall around $847.

The difference between families with children and those without is also significant. One survey indicated that families with children expect to spend $875, while those without children plan for $635, creating a gap of nearly $240.

The real issue is how to come up with this money. Many households rely on credit cards for gift expenses, and one survey found that nearly half of those who pay with cards cannot pay off their bills in full when they arrive.

Even more surprising is that many of these individuals are taking on debt with cards that have interest rates over 20 percent. 63 percent of respondents indicated they would take more than three months to pay off their debt.

Retail-specific cards issued on the spot in stores are particularly risky. A recent survey found that the average interest rate for store cards exceeds 30 percent, which is much higher than the average interest rate of around 21 percent for regular credit cards.

When looking at age groups, the gap widens even more. Among those aged 18 to 34, 64 percent expect to incur debt during the holiday season, while that figure drops to 23 percent for those aged 65 and older. This suggests that younger individuals are more likely to swipe their cards without a plan.

This year, eight out of ten consumers indicated they would set some form of budget strategy. This suggests that many households are grappling with similar concerns rather than having any special secrets.

As a result, some households decide to set their budgets before November arrives. The method is simple: divide the target amount by the number of months left until Christmas.

For example, if the target is $600, dividing it over four months means setting aside $150 each month. If the target is $300, then $75 each month will suffice.

Trying to gather all the money in December can be burdensome, but saving gradually from the fall makes it feel much lighter. Impulsive spending driven by the holiday spirit also noticeably decreases.

The same goes for Black Friday sales. If a budget is set in advance, there is less temptation to add unplanned items to the cart due to discount promotions. No matter how big the discount, unnecessary items ultimately lead to spending.

More households are also noticeably utilizing layaway programs. This method allows customers to leave items in the store and pay in installments over a set period, making it attractive as it avoids interest burdens or credit card debt while acquiring larger items.

While it's easy to blame inflation or tariffs, it ultimately comes down to how each household prioritizes their spending. Before blaming external factors, it's more practical to examine our own spending habits.

Personally, I prefer this method. Rather than paying off debt with interest rates over 20 percent into the new year, I believe it's much better to choose within a pre-set budget comfortably.

When setting a budget, it's better not to just determine a total amount but to set limits for each recipient in advance. Writing down names and amounts helps clarify standards when tempted in stores.

Christmas club accounts offered by banks or credit unions are also worth considering. A set amount is automatically deducted each month, accumulating separately, and can only be accessed in December, eliminating worries about spending it elsewhere in the meantime.

The contents of gifts don't necessarily need to be expensive. A gift card to a nearby café or a box of homemade cookies can feel just as thoughtful to the recipient.

Many households have also started choosing gift cards as presents. According to surveys, between 24 percent and 38 percent of respondents plan to purchase gift cards, as they allow the recipient to choose what they want, making them a hassle-free option.

It's also better to choose one durable item rather than buying several cheap things. Spending money on items that will be quickly discarded is ultimately less economical.

Gifts should be a means of expressing feelings, not a reason to accumulate debt. Just the habit of setting a budget in advance can significantly reduce the stress of the first credit card bill in the new year.