The Christmas season is known to be the costliest time of the year for many people in America and many other countries. A lot of money is spent during the last three months of the year.

According to the National Retail Federation, average per person spending on winter deals during the holidays was at $805 in 2015. Just half a decade ago it was only $718. As individual spending goes up, sometimes the costs of our purchases go up higher than what we planned for.

God calls us to be good stewards of our resources, maintaining control over them instead of them controlling us. Controlling our spending is a good means of practicing that godly stewardship.

Here are four ways that you can take control of your spending this holiday season.

1. Know Your Values

Matthew 6:21 tells us, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The movement of your money shows very clearly the movement of your heart. That's why it's good to always take time to reflect on the values of your heart and see whether they are in the right place.

There's nothing wrong with spending a little bit more on the holidays. But is it happening at a rate that reflects Christian value and responsibility?

2. Save Money Before Spending

One of the best reminders in the Bible on saving is in Proverbs 6:6-8: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest."

We don't have to go far to look for examples of wise finance management.

Ants are known for their knack of storing up for the tough seasons. We can learn from them by learning to set aside before we start spending. When we receive those bonuses, we can make the decision to first set aside some amount before spending on gifts, food, and so on.

3. Prepare Ahead of Time

Preparation is always the key. Planning out spending doesn't take too much time but it goes a long way. Luke 14:28 tells us, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

4. Know the Reason for the Season

Sometimes the holiday season can be so much about gifts and deals that we might forget the true reason why the Christmas season is such a wonderful time of the year.

If it were just about the celebrations and shopping, then we would be spending for ridiculous reasons. But if it's about the true meaning of Christmas—celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ and coming together to cherish God-given relationships—we will be thankful regardless of how much we shop or dine.