We reached into the depths of the YNAB archives and unearthed this gem. For about three minutes I considered writing a new version, but decided one only needs to re-write ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas once per decade. I figure I can still get a solid five years out of this version (and you better believe I’m getting the last year out of it):

‘Twas two nights before Christmas, when all through the couch,

Not a dime could be found, for which I could vouch.

The cards were all maxed in my wallet (so bare),

Two still had balances from Christmas last year!

The children asleep, thinking everything’s fine,

While I sat crunching numbers—occasionally crying.

My wife, resolute, and without any delay

Starts listing last year’s gifts on eBay.

Then out in the front room we hear a loud crash!

I spring from my chair and take off with a dash.

The gifts stacked so high (the tree looked as to drown),

Couldn’t hold longer, and had fallen down.

And then, as if that wasn’t surely enough

The lights in the house go from on to, well, off.

Then back on again. Whew! I just felt a chill!

I thought we’d swapped Princess shoes for a bill!

I cross the room, beckoned by Logic and Reason

Guessing I’ll soon commit credit card treason.

I crack open the book, finding page twenty-eight,

A dead-simple rule to change our Christmas fate.

“Save for Rainy Days.” It’s Rule Two of the Four.

These non-monthly expenses, you cannot ignore!

Take the total expense—now don’t try and hide,

Take that total and then by twelve you’ll divide.

My mind isn’t reeling—this makes really good sense

Christmas, though yearly, is a monthly expense!

Now I see visions of a Christmas to come,

Where cash flow is normal with this rule of thumb.

I look to my wife (whoops, she’s still stooping and stacking)

“Honey! We’ll soon send the credit cards packing!

Imagine: no stress, chasing end-of-year dimes,

We’ll celebrate Christmas this next year, twelve times!”

I reach in my pocket and pull out my wallet,

Bursting with cards that now cause me to vomit,

I feel deep in the pit of my debt-ridden gut

That we’ll dig ourselves out of this Christmas rut.

As I think to the future, and what it will bring,

My heart surges with joy and I just want to sing.

Joy to the world! I’m not a slave to the man!

Christmas is mine. It’s a 12-month plan!

I log into the bank and check my small balance

A shortcut I used before each cash advance.

I take some dollars and call them Christmas Next Year,

I’ll be set for Christmas, with nothing to fear!