Spending less during the holiday season does not mean you will have less fun.  Make sure you plan an affordable holiday.

Create a holiday budget.  A spending plan is a good start for a cheaper holiday season.  Don’t forget to include the cost of decorations, food and gifts into your budget.

Make a gift list and don’t go over your spending limit.  Get your gift ideas down on paper before heading out to the shop.

You don’t have to spend a lot to give a nice gift either.  Remember what your budget is while shopping.

Shop at thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets or other second hand sources for gifts.  Maybe you know someone that likes vintage jewelry or antiques and you can find these things for cheaper at a second hand shop.

Make sure you don’t end up shopping for yourself on top of the other people you are shopping for.  You will end up with less stuff and more money in the bank.

Make your own cards.  The cost of holiday cards is really expensive plus you have to pay for postage.  You can also wrap your own gifts.  In store gift wrapping sometimes increases the cost of each gift by another couple of dollars.