By Kimberly Danger, Mommysavers.com

The holidays are here again! During this special time of year, things start moving faster and you may feel a little overwhelmed. The holidays can also test the limits of your budget. However, with some creativity and planning, you can make this the best holiday season ever! Throughout this busy time, it is important to put family first so you can make memories that will last for years to come. In my e-book, “Halloween Tricks and Holiday Tips,” you will find helpful ideas to give you a reason to celebrate and feel extra jolly.

Christmas is one of the best and busiest times of year, so slow down and try to enjoy it. If you are feeling inundated, try taking some time to relax with your family. Pull out a favorite board game and have a little fun. When it comes to gatherings, you can also take the stress out of holiday celebrations by going potluck. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, let your guests bring their favorite dish to the party.

While putting together your Christmas list, keep in mind you don’t always have to get store bought gifts for everyone. Stretch your holiday dollars by making homemade gifts instead. Get creative and preserve those old, well-loved family recipes by creating special family recipe books. Or try making homemade ornaments to spread the holiday cheer. Let the kids help you with the process and start a tradition they will always remember.

There are some instances when you prefer to purchase gifts. When heading out to the stores, be a savvy shopper this year. Ensure you are getting everything on your list without all the hassle. Here are my top 10 smart shopping rules for the holidays:

1. Start with a budget and stick to it.
2. Always make a master list of what you need.
3. Begin shopping early in the season.
4. Focus on priorities and traditions; not commercialism.
5. Organize your time — when you’re in a rush you tend to buy more.
6. Simplify! There’s nothing wrong with cutting corners to make things easy on yourself.
7. Avoid shopping when you’re stressed out; you’re likely to spend more.
8. Know when coupons are a good deal.
9. Take the time to comparison shop. Some stores will honor the advertised prices of their competitors.
10. Shop during the weekdays and at off times to avoid long lines, crowds and stress.

Get the most out of this season by remembering the simple things and not getting caught up in all the hustle and bustle. It’s about spending time with loved ones and keeping the stress level down as much as possible. I hope these ideas contribute to a wonderful holiday for you and your family.

Kimberly Danger is a nationally-recognized consumer advocate, family savings expert, author of “1000 Best Baby Bargains” and founder of www.Mommysavers.com , an online resource and forum for women. In partnership with www.UniroyalTires.com , she offers free savings advice and e-books on topics including getting out of debt, ways to manage stress, school/dorm supplies on a budget and family entertaining for less. Her tips and interviews have been featured in national and local media across the country, including Parenting, Woman’s Day, Redbook, Essence, The New York Times Online and CBS’s “The Early Show.”

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