by John Mckinsey

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

It's Christmas time again! If that statement causes more of a panic attack than joy, you're with most of the country this year. The last couple years have hit the economy very, very hard and many Americans are having a difficult time keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. But rest assured, that does not mean Christmas has to be lacking this year. The following are some tips that will allow you to provide your family with the fun and excitement of the holidays without taking out another credit card.

1. First things first, make a list of everyone you're going to buy for, how much you're going to spend on their gift and what you are planning to buy. At the end of the list, tally up how much you're going to spend and decide whether or not you can afford to spend that much on gifts. Make sure you don't spend beyond your means to impress people or you could end up paying interest on a credit card until next Christmas.

2. Also, consider the usefulness of your gifts. When buying for family, especially those under the same roof, consider gifts that can be useful year round or at least gifts that can be used more than just Christmas day. For example, for Dad, a nice tool set or lawnmower can be used frequently can be a nice gift and also save money by not having to run out every few months for some new tool to fix the sink. I urge you to really think about the individual that you're shopping for: your wife may not be so enthusiastic about a new microwave or vacuum even if she has mentioned needing one.

3. Be sure to research prices before you buy anything. You need to comparison shop online before actually buying anything. Today, the web has made this easier than ever. All retailers have their own website, many of which, list their prices and shipping options. You could also use comparison sites such as Amazon or similar sites to check multiple retail prices at once.

4. Be cautious of buying your gifts ahead of time. You could end up like a lot of people and keep buying more and more gifts until Christmas. You're better off saving the money each week, or month until it's time to buy gift. If you think about it, if you start saving after New Year's eve, and you could split the amount you need to save by forty or fifty weeks. That makes it much more convenient than having to come up with everything in the last eight or ten weeks before Christmas. Also, picking up Christmas decorations and supplies just after can allow you to take advantage of 50% and 75% off sales when retailers are desperately trying to make room for New Year's supplies.

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