[kork13]

Congrats on taking out the debt, no matter the means. It's a notable accomplishment.

For the upcoming holiday season, three things that can help you keep any new debt to a minimum:

1) Cut back. Ask yourself if you really need to give a gift, or multiple gifts, to the individual in question. Perhaps limit yourself to one small, reasonable, meaningful gift to immediate family only--I'm sure that cousins, nephews, and the postman will survive without the gesture of a gift. Also, get creative and give homemade gifts--baked goods, hand-crafts, and so on. I frequently give framed copies of my photography as gifts. And do you really need the big, elaborate dinners, or dinners out? Every dollar you don't spend is a dollar (with interest) that you don't have to pay back.

2) Go to cash only for a while. Credit cards are great, and very convenient, but shouldn't be used if you won't be able to pay everything off. Put the credit cards in your safe and leave them there. Pay cash for everything in the next couple months, and if you don't have the cash for it, then don't buy it. Also, remember that what you buy now might prevent you from buying something else later.

3) Downsize. Some things just have to be bought, but try to spend as little on it as possible. Buy comparable but less expensive items. Store-brands for holiday dinners, the smaller/less gorgeous Christmas tree (or go cut one yourself for even less), the 8-lb turkey instead of the 15-lb.

It's difficult, but not at all impossible. If you focus on accumulating as little new debt as possible (hopefully none at all) over the holiday season, you can do it. Best of luck, and happy holidays! Remember that in the end, it's about family and friends, memories and time together. The gifts, big dinners, and all the fru-fru is just icing on the cake.