How to enjoy a debt-free holiday.

Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner, and surveys indicate that consumers probably will spend more during the holidays than they did a year ago. Be sure not to get carried away to the point that you wake up in January with a financial hangover. Here are some tips from the Institute of Certified Financial Planners for giving yourself a gift--a debt-free holiday.

* Budget. Set a limit on what you realistically can afford to spend and stick to it. You may feel like Scrooge, but you're the one who has to pay the holiday bills, not gift recipients. Include the cost of wrapping paper, postage, travel, extra food, and entertainment.

* Start planning early. Window shop and browse through catalogs before you actually start buying. Write down gift ideas and their prices. Gift certificates to movies, restaurants, and museums help keep budgets in line.

* Make a shopping list. List everyone you plan to buy gifts for, what you want to buy them, and what each item will cost (based on your initial browsing). Can you afford to buy something for everyone within your over-all budget? If not, you may have to drop more distant relatives or friends from the list, or change what you intend to buy them.

* Be creative. Baked goods, homemade crafts, and/or a personal gift certificate for babysitting or housecleaning can make inexpensive presents. A gift of joy during the holidays is not directly proportional to the amount on the price tag.

* Be charitable. Cooking dinner for less fortunate families or delivering food to the needy are inexpensive gifts that help children think about others than just themselves.

* Sacrifice. If you exchange gifts with your spouse or buy mutual gifts, consider waiting until after the holidays, when you can afford them better or the items are on sale. Or substitute a less expensive gift such as a dinner out or a quiet evening at home...