by Jennifer E. Brown

Created on: November 09, 2008

Christmas has the tendency to become one of the most stressful times of the year. Consumers run up credit card debt, and anxiously shop for loved ones picking out gifts that say the meaning they want to deliver. Why is it that shoppers start on Black Friday and get all the deals? Is it worth it to get up and fight the crowds only to find out what you wanted is gone by the time you reach the counter? Here's some helpful tips to avoid holiday stress.

Make a list. Go into stores with written ideas for each person and the price to be spent on the gift. This will prevent less wandering around and more productive shopping. Always get gift receipts in case the receiver of the gift doesn't like the gift that was chosen.

Set a budget. This is going to help overspending and help your wallet more. It will also help avoid temptation of gift ideas that are too expensive.

Consider payment options. Cash, credit, debit, check? All are acceptable at all stores. However, credit is the one that will rake up big bills after the holidays. If big credit expenses sound like too much, then avoid credit cards.

Don't use debit cards on-line. Debit cards used for on-line purchases are not covered under the Fair Credit Billing Act. What does this mean precisely? If the card's used unlawfully, the owner is only liable for $50.

Shop after holiday sales. This is the time when it's good to stock up on suppliesbows, wrapping paper, gift tagswhatever pleases the eye. It will prevent stress and tension from buying them the following Christmas as long as the place they're put is not forgotten.

When stretched for time, make gifts. Put creativity to the test and think what a loved one would like the best. A homemade gift is always better than a store bought one because it comes with a lot more meaning put into it.

Make One-of-A-Kind Gift Certificates. These can be good for anythinghaving lunch with someone, taking them to a movie, or even playing video games all afternoon. Give this certificate to the receiver at Christmas and they give it back when it's convenient to them or the date that is put on there by the giver.

Give personalized gifts. Unless the gift receiver is one who absolutely loves gift cards, which few do, avoid them at all cost. They're impersonal and there are better gifts out there to buy.

Be creative. If a sibling is asking for a purple sweater this year, get her fuzzy socks she can wear with the sweater or a matching purse. Shopping can't be this difficult, which is where the list comes in handy. Mark down ideas that could collaborate the gifts being bought.

Have fun with the younger kids in the family. Kids love to build popcorn strings and Christmas crafts. Perhaps this time with a younger sibling or cousin could be spent getting into the holiday spirit.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer E. Brown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.