With the gift holidays officially open now is the time to reconsider gift giving, especially now with the current economic crisis!

• First, do you really need to spend so much on gifts? Be thoughtful, instead of spendful! It will make you feel so much more appreciated than stressing over credit-card bills for months.
• Can you make gifts? I used to like giving people jewelry, until one day I decided to start making simple items. Eventually I got good enough to sell my wares. Do you have a hobby that you can cash in on?
• Adopt a “Secret Santa” system. We used to give gifts to everyone in my home until we all got fed up with spending so much and not being able to really think about our gifts. A month before the holiday we all take a name out of a hat and set a price limit for the gift. When everyone gets together they are more excited to give than to receive their gift.

Keep in mind that holidays are supposed to be special. Instead of putting in extra money in gifts that will only add to your clutter, put the time into making the day special, the atmosphere and the company. If you do this you will find a much more meaningful holiday season for all!

Image Credit: brungrrl