The Holiday Spending Rewards Guide Every Parent Needs

The holidays are all about finding little moments of joy and creating special memories as a family—from cookie decorating on the kitchen counter to binge-watching classic holiday movies. But alongside the magic, there’s often a quiet pressure to make everything feel meaningful, to stretch the budget a little further, to live up to traditions or expectations. Between gifts for the kids and festive hosting, sticking to a budget can be intimidating. And in the rush to make everyone else happy, many parents admit they forget to factor themselves in at all. Hello, holiday guilt.

That’s why financial educator and coach Eduek Brooks, who helps parents build financial literacy skills, is sharing how the no annual fee PC Mastercard can make the holidays feel more valuable and rewarding—so you can focus on the family moments that truly matter. Because when money feels manageable, the season feels lighter. From gifts to everyday essentials, here’s how to get more out of every shop this season.

Start with a card that keeps holiday spending simple

During the hectic holiday season, even small conveniences can make a big difference—like choosing a credit card that’s easy to set up and simple to manage. “The last thing any parent wants to do is to add another fee to their growing holiday shopping list,” says Brooks. “With a no annual fee credit card that earns points as you shop, you can maximize value without worrying about another charge in your monthly budget.”

Set a holiday budget and earn points on every shop

Creating a realistic holiday budget can feel daunting, but Brooks suggests starting by confirming your family’s spending priorities—whether that’s quality time together, festive meals, thoughtful gifts or memorable experiences. “The trick is to track as you go, so there are no surprises. I like to put all my holiday spending on one card, like the PC Mastercard, so it’s easier to keep track of how much I’ve spent so far,” she says.

The PC Mastercard also earns you PC Optimum points on every dollar you spend no matter where you shop. So, whether it’s a new playset for your toddler or a pair of headphones for your teenager, you can stack up those rewards. The best part? There isn’t a limit on how many points you can earn and they never expire.

“Since you collect points everywhere your card is accepted, those rewards add up quickly, too, and can help offset some of your holiday spending,” says Brooks.

Spot opportunities to save further on groceries, gas and gifts

If you’re looking to stretch your holiday budget further, keep your eye out for personalized offers, digital coupons and bonus points. “Always check the PC Financial app for PC Optimum offers, especially the 25x the points deals that help me earn even more on my everyday shopping,” Brooks says. Here are some go-to spots to help you stack up those points with PC Mastercard during the holidays:

• Get up to three percent back in points when you shop at Loblaw banner grocery stores.
• Earn back at least three cents per litre in PC Optimum points at Esso and Mobil stations.
• Get up to 4.5 percent back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart and up to three percent back in points at Joe Fresh.

Smart ways for parents to treat themselves using PC Optimum points

Being a parent means constantly thinking about everyone else, but that doesn’t mean you should forget or feel guilty about pampering yourself, too. “Parents give so much during the holidays, and rewarding yourself, even if it’s with something small, helps you stay motivated,” says Brooks. She recommends parents be intentional about how they use their rewards. “Create a list of personal items you want, and with rewards programs like PC Optimum linked to the PC Mastercard, you can earn points faster, helping you save up and redeem for the things on your list more quickly.”

Once you decide where to use your points, PC Mastercard gives you the flexibility to redeem in $10 increments (10,000 points = $10) at over 4,500 Loblaw enterprise locations across Canada. That means you can treat yourself to something special, like the holiday beauty set you’ve been eyeing at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Or you can take advantage of the new feature that lets you apply points directly toward lowering your credit card balance, freeing up more room in your budget to enjoy yourself however you like. It’s a win-win, since you are earning points for all your purchases, and you get to pay down your balance with those same points later.

“You feel less guilty when you shop with points instead of your own money,” Brooks explains. “Small intentional choices like using a payment method that lets you earn points while you shop can make a big difference.” And during a season when parents are doing so much—budgeting, planning, wrapping, organizing—it’s reassuring to have tools that help ease the mental load, not add to it. Pampering yourself shouldn’t feel like an afterthought; it should feel like part of the joy you’re working so hard to create.

Visit pcfinancial.ca to explore how you can turn everyday spending into all-in-one rewards for you and your family.