Christmas on a Budget: How to Keep Holiday Spending From Getting Out of Hand

Learning how to stick to a budget for the holidays may sound easy...until you walk in the store. You might pick up a little of this and a little of that, bake this and that, decide to add a few "extras" to this stocking. By the time you're done, you've already spent way more than you originally planned.

Hasn't Christmas spending gotten out of hand for most of us? To save money this season, instead of spending it all away, consider more heartfelt (and homemade) gifts that are much less expensive but still very meaningful.

Make ornaments. Golden bells and a little ribbon go a long way when you want to give someone a gift that comes from the heart. Christmas ornaments are fabulous gifts for the merrymaking season, and something they'll be able to use for years and years to come. Make your ornaments instead of buying them. Sugar cookies, clay, wood, ribbon, and even cardboard can become ornaments when you get creative. Consider making miniature presents to hang on the tree, or create wreaths with greenery and ribbons. If you'd put it on your tree, then it'll make the perfect, heartfelt gift for someone else's.

Make scrapbooks, or frame pictures and memorabilia that will mean something to the recipient. These sort of heartfelt gifts carry the warmth of Christmas all the year through. Sentimental gifts are always great - and it won't matter that you were able to spend a lot less, because it will end up meaning so much more.

Make cookies and candies to give away. These gifts are great for neighbors and co-workers. Small edibles bring back memories for lots of Christmases past, and you'll be able to warm their cockles as well as their tummies with some homemade goodies. Put them in a tin or decorative box, and they'll know that you took time and care with your gift. Time is truly more valuable than money in today's world, so show them you care by giving away your more valuable commodity.

Christmas doesn't have to be expensive to be merry. Consider handmade gifts, and put time and thought into what you do. These sorts of gifts shine brighter and last longer in the hearts and minds of those who receive them.