by Deborah Allan

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 13, 2009

Christmas is not only the best, most wonderful time of the year, it is also the most expensive time of the year as well. We tend to get stressed out, with all the things we have to do, the decorating, finding the right tree, and spending tons of money on gifts. Every year it seems to get more and more out of control, but not this year. You are determined to spend less and you are sticking to your guns. Here are a few ways to do that, and to feel good about it.

BUDGET- Make a list of all the people you want to buy for this year. Now, you must decide how much you have to spend, and how much of that you want to spend. Christmas isn't about spending a small fortune, and you don't have to. Finding the right gift is not about how much you spend. It's the thought behind the gift that means the most.

SHOP AROUND- Don't limit yourself to one store. If you are looking for an article of clothing, go to the discount stores as well as the other clothing stores. Look online as well.

MAKE YOUR GIFTS- Sometimes, home made gifts mean so much more. For grandparents or distant family members, scrapbooks, or crafts from your kids, or even your home made crafts can mean so much. Getting pictures taken at Sears or Wal-Mart are cheaper this time of year, so go get a professional sitting done, find some cheap frames at dollar or discount stores, and jazz them up. They make wonderful gifts and even more wonderful keepsakes.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX- Got that certain someone who is hard to buy for? Think outside of normal. What do they drink? If the answer is coffee, get them a coffee mug and a box of coffee. If they like whiskey, buy a bottle of whiskey, and tie a ribbon around it. You can't go wrong.

BAKE- Homemade bread, muffins, or a cake is pretty inexpensive, and everyone likes to eat. When you make it yourself it says its from the heart.

DRAW NAMES- If you have a huge family, suggest drawing names. This makes it easier on everyone, now you only have to buy one gift as opposed to many.

ASK-Ask what someone may want. You might be surprised, and it may be a lot less expensive that what you would have intended to buy.

LOOK FOR SALES- Looking for sales close to Christmas time will save you money. Some stores may have two for one deals and so what if your sister's get the same gift? As long as they are different colors they may not even notice.

RE-GIFTING- The most taboo thing is to re-gift. Sometimes, though, it can make someone's day. You may have purchased something for yourself that did not fit, or you didn't really like once you got it home, and you have no use for it. Give it to someone, but only if it's brand new. Did you get something for your birthday that you never used? Your gift may be something someone else may like, why not?

Remember that you have to still pay your bills and buy groceries even when Christmas is over. You should not have to put one thing off for another, and if you follow even one of the above suggestions, you may save yourself some money. Merry Christmas and happy shopping.

Learn more about this author, Deborah Allan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.