Here are some ways to reduce your holiday spending:
☺Decide how much money you can afford to spend (or want to spend) and write it down. Stick to it.
☻Pay cash, and avoid using your credit cards.
☺Buy only one present per person, and maybe a few stocking stuffers.
☻Buy only for those people you really care about. Send cards to the rest.
☺Watch for before-Christmas sales. Not only will you save money, but your shopping will be done way ahead of time.
☻Use your talents and make presents. Bake gingerbread and cookies, or craft your own ornaments. Give needlework, ceramics, framed photographs or craft items.
☺Donate your time as a present. Offer to clean your sister's house, baby-sit your brother's kids for the weekend or give 10 free tennis lessons to your niece.
☻If you are mailing packages - especially overseas - choose lightweight items that won't run up postage costs.
☺Buy Christmas cards, decorations and wrapping paper right after Christmas. They are always on sale, usually for half price.
☻Shop at after-Christmas sales for next year's gifts. The savings can sometimes be enormous.
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