by Joseph Rogers

Created on: October 25, 2009

Everyone is looking for ways to save money during these tough economic times. Here are some ways to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

Buying presents for a large extended family is expensive. Save money by holding a Secret Santa. Have everyone write their name on a slip of paper along with two or three presents they would like to receive. Fold the pieces of paper (so no one can peek) and place them into a box. Each person then picks a name. (Of course, if they pick their own name, they get a do over.)

Your group then agrees on a date to get together and exchange presents. Make sure you agree on a price range that everyone can afford.

Why not create your own holiday gifts this season that your family and friends will treasure. Everyone has a unique skill, hobby or talent.

Are you a woodworker or painter? Give the gift of your art. One of my Uncles loved building clocks. One year he gave my parents a beautiful hand made table clock for Christmas. That clock is now a family heirloom.

Crafting is a fun and inexpensive way to get your entire family involved in creating fun holiday gifts. There are dozens of sites on the Internet with ideas and projects costing little or no money.

AllFreeCrafts.com has hundreds of ideas for crafts. An entire section is dedicated to crafts kids can create. One favorite is the Recycled Egg Carton Candy Wagon. Starting with an egg carton and some inexpensive craft supplies, kids can build this wagon and fill with it with sweets.

One year my parents gave us clear glass Christmas ornaments personalized with our names. The bulbs are available at craft stores. Buy some festive colored glitter glue and create a gift that will hang on the tree every year.

If you would like some fancier ideas, check out www.marthastewart.com/christmas. Granted Martha has expensive tastes, but her ideas for handmade cards and ornaments are easy to make.

Another fun project is to create a family events calendar. Gather your families birth dates and wedding anniversaries and create a calendar. You can download free calendar templates or use the calendar function in Microsoft Word. Your family can hang this thoughtful present on the refrigerator to remember everyone's special days throughout the year.

Have the kids create a frame for the calendar using their artwork. Check out familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts for more calendar ideas.

Are you a baker? It is far cheaper to buy a few pounds of flour and sugar than specialty cookies from a baker. Make

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