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with family members and friends so everyone concentrates their time, effort and money on buying fewer, nicer gifts.
• • Speak candidly with friends, coworkers and extended family about placing a moratorium on exchanging gifts. They're probably feeling the pinch too.
• • If the gift-giving gesture is important to you, suggest pooling resources with others to make a sizeable contribution to a charity you all believe in.
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• Once you've determined your overall holiday spending budget - and before you start shopping - make a detailed list that includes:
• • Everyone on your shopping list.
• • Spending limits and several gift alternatives for each person.
• • How much you actually spend on each gift. If you overspend on one present you'll need to make up for it elsewhere.
• • What you gave each person - to avoid giving them the same thing next year.
• • What each person gave you to avoid "re-gifting" disasters later on.
• • Other expenses (decorations, etc.)
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• Some people relish hunting for bargains; others loathe it. Either way, here are a few money-saving tips:

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