Shop carefully, just like Santa does. Figure out how much you can afford to spend before you go shopping. Then stick to your budget, no matter who gives you what. If you shop from a carefully created list, and pay in cash, you'll enter the new year blessedly debt-free. Plan a special family gathering after the holiday.
Airlines charge a bundle to fly at holiday time, and airports are maddeningly crowded.
You can discuss your travel plans in detail over Christmas, and then have a wonderful, warm celebration while everyone else is facing the winter. There are all sorts of wonderful bargains to be found, and treasures to be rescued and restored. Last Christmas, our Invest in Yourself co-author, Gerri Detweiler and her family agreed to only exchange homemade or recycled presents. If you keep your plastic under control, Santa will bring you delight rather than debt. For more of our good advice on holiday spending, click here.