Ways to save money over the holidays:

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Attend free or inexpensive plays and concerts at schools, colleges or community centers.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Decorate only part of your house or yard.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Buy new shoes, jewelry or accessories to update an outfit instead of purchasing a new one.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Ask a grandparent or other relative to buy a child's holiday outfit.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Give homemade gifts.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Celebrate with family after the holidays to take advantage of sales.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Travel on holidays to save on airfare.

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Shop for gifts all year long. (But keep a list to avoid duplicating presents.)

[naviga:font face="ZapfDingbats"]4[/naviga:font] Give to charities throughout the year so you don't feel pressured to make a large contribution during the holidays.

Sources: Sally Herigstad and Liz Pulliam Weston.