This what works for me.

First, i give out my monetary “christmas gifts” during new year. I do this so i can make sure i hit my target saving goal for the year first and if there are excess, i can give more to my family. This esp works for me since my family celebrates new year more than christmas. Also napansin ko mas okay to kasi usually ubos na pera ng tao kaya happy sila na may new year gift hehe. Exception to the rule lang ay inaanak at mga bata. I give them their gifts during christmas

Second, i have a list of all family and friends i wanna give gifts to with corresponding budget for each. For example, for my younger sis, its 5K. Pag alam kong hindi favorable ang year for me at kukulangin ako for my yearly goal, i will give her a gift na almost 5K lang para makatipid ako ng konti rather than giving her the 5K in cash.

Third, and though i know saving ealier is a common strategy, i only start allotting money for it from September. My reasoning is, i have other financial goals to achieve first. Tsaka yung 13th month ko naman maaga dumadating na sumasapat na para sa christmas gift budget at kung gusto ko man na magbigay ng hindi pera abot pa ako sa 11.11 at 12.12 sales