I know, I know it's a year away, why think about it now?! Well, because if you DO think about it now, and plan for it now, maybe it won't be such a financial struggle then!

I had my first 100% debt free Christmas this past year, by planning ahead and saving (granted I started a little late and only started saving in June). Let me just tell you, it felt GREAT!!! There was no worrying about charging things or wondering the day after Christmas how I was going to pay for it all. I enjoyed every moment of the holidays...guilt free (okay except for those darn cookies )

I transfer X amount of dollars out of my checking to an ING savings account that I build up until November, then at the end of Nov I transfer all that money out and use it for Christmas shopping. You can do it that way or even by putting a few dollars here and there in an envelope marked Christmas, just remember to only deposit into the envelope, not withdraw

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Wow, I feel like I need a break from all things Christmas right now.

We need to pay our property taxes first before we can start saving again.

yep! christmas club baby!

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My choices yesterday create my today. My choices today create my tomorrow.

This is what I have recomended to the people who are particapating in the coupon savings challenge! Any amount big or small counts

I already bought my nieces/nephews their respective toys for next year.
I found them uber cheap in a post Christmas sale!!!!
Hooray for me

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

I usually shop all year for clearance toys. So in a way yes but I will have to start with the money thing so I am ready for the adults and the extra things the kids get.

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Yep, I started saving right after Christmas. I've been doing it like this since high school - saving an amt each week towards the holidays. The amt has changed but the theory is the same. Works great for me!

I do buy things all year round, but I tend to buy the most in November, so by then, I have a lot of money amassed towards gifts. The money I save for Christmas also covers things like teacher/coach/bus driver gifts, any decorations we buy for the house, extra monies for extra foods, entertainment etc

Okay I voted no but that's because I've never actually saved up for Christmas. I have already started buying gifts for this Christmas and in fact have made a pretty good dent. By buying all year long I am not faced with spending a great deal of money at one time. I can buy things when I find good sales, and have the money.

I am usually finished Christmas shopping by October, at the latest, for everyone except dh. As his wants rarely go on sale so we wait to see what has made it to the very top of his wish list.

I have, however, decided to start saving my change for the after Christmas sales for next year. The Target 90% off Christmas and 75%off toys. I would like to have a few hundred saved for that. That way it doesn't have to come out of my budget for the month of January.

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

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I have never saved for Christmas either. I have started shopping though. I just buy all year through. We are saving more in general, though, which should also mean more money for Christmas. I haven't charged a Christmas in many years, though.

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~Happiness is a large family~

Happymom, I'm glad you posted that. Sometimes it seems like I'm the odd one out in this instance. My mom never saved for Christmas like that either, that I know of. She is the one that taught me to shop the sales starting right after Christmas and get finished early to enjoy the season.

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

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