Thanksgiving isn't quite here yet, but already the most costly holiday of all is knocking at our door. Displays jammed with Christmas gifts fill the stores as a reminder that there is not much time left and too little money to go around to spread the 'Christmas cheer.' No one is trying to be the grinch, but our money is tight in this economy and we don't have a team of magical elves making the toys for free. So instead of charging up the credit cards and seeing the nasty bills later, here are a few tips to save money this year:

1. Make a list and check it twice! Let's face it, we go overboard sometimes. This year make a list of who exactly you need to get a gift for. Eliminate people that are not close to you and people who never get you anything in return.

2. Buy a fake tree. Yes, they are not as wonderful for the true Christmas lovers, but they do the job just fine. Over the years they can save a ton of cash you would have spent to chop down a new one every year. Another perk is that they are much easier to clean up and shed no poky pine needles on the carpet!

3. Set a budget. Figure out exactly how much money you are willing to spend per person, then stick to it! You will feel much better when everything is all over and you can honeslty say that you didn't outspend yourself!

4. Do a gift exchange. Gather friends and family and do a gift exchange!This is a win-win for everyone involved because everyone gets something and everyone saves money when you only have to buy one gift!

5.Make your own gifts. Are you a good baker? Put any of your talents to the test by making a gift to give away. For example you could buy a couple of cheap jars, decorate them and fill them with homemade cookie mix and viola a homemade gift from the heart. Get creative!

6.Shop out the best deal.For most of us, a computer is just a click away. Take advantage of the internet and look at your local grocery stores and department stores. They usually have a new ad every single week on-line and you can find the best deals. Don't be afraid to go to multiple stores, it will save big bucks in the end if you take a little bit of the best deals from everywhere!

7. Cut down decoration. Bows, ribbons and wrapping paper can really add up. Try cutting out pictures from magazines or using the comic sections in the newspapers as wrapping paper. When you think about it where does all of that decoration go? For a few seconds it looks nice, then it is ripped to shreds and thrown away.

8.Try buying in bulk. This applies to a lot of things concerning Christmas. Try going to your local Sam's Club or any bulk retailer in your area and buy your holiday chocolates, favorite wines, cookies etc. in bulk. You save on average 20% when buying in bulk rather than randomly throwing expensive novelties into your cart in a regular store.

9.Stay home. Instead of taking your family to the movies since December is one of the biggest movie months, stay home. Rent some Christmas movies,or play a family board game. Bottom line is that spending some quality time with your family and spreading Christmas cheer doesn't have to leave a hole in your wallet.

10. Save money on Christmas cards. A couple boxes of Christmas cards and the stamps can really eat at your money. Make a list of who you are going to send cards to. Then you can either make them yourself which can save a lot of money or you can send free e-cards over the internet.