[dwilliams12]

I have a couple tools to save during xmas. I make a homemade gift for all family/friends, even those who get gifts- Its my little way of letting them know how much they mean by using my time to make them. Can be anything from gifts in a jar, homemade candles, candies or cookies.
I use a spreadsheet with all my family and friends that I buy gifts for with ideas/budgeted amount gifts purchased and acutal spend, and . I have a worksheet for each year so i can see what I have purchased the previous year. With all the kids I buy for it becomes a blurr...I purchase gifts through out the year and wrap, if I can. Unfortunately, for 4 gifts I must wait until Thanksgiving, since we pull names at that time.

I purchase postage through out the year to lessen the impact of sending our family holiday newsletter with picture. The Holiday paper is purchased right after the holidays at a great price.

I have a xmas account with the $$ given out on Nov 1- for any last minute gifts (just in case) - otherwise the money goes into a CD.