Your first step is to figure out how much you spent last year. Go back and look at credit card bills and your check register to get the answer. Next, you'll want to put together a plan that will help control this year's spending. Begin by listing the items that aren't related to gifts. Everyone will have different priorities.
Some folks spend a lot on holiday phone calls.
Others throw big parties. Take a look at where your big expenses are and think creatively about cost reductions. Perhaps this year when people ask what they can bring to your party you suggest an item of food or drink instead of telling them 'nothing'. Try to keep yourself from being limited by what you did in the past. Just because you always do things a certain way doesn't mean that you can't try something new this year.