I decided to pay for Christmas gifts with cash this year.  I also had a strict Christmas budget that I was going to follow.  Once my alloted cash was gone, I was done.  It worked for me.

 note to all: DON'T USE CREDIT CARDS. simple as that.  If you can't afford it outright or by saving for it, don't do it.   Going into credit debt over Christmas just seems to miss the whole point of it all.  And if recipients get offended by not getting expensive gifts, then....(Insert rude reply here.)

I am not rich by any means and do my shopping over the course of a few paychecks.  Bit by bit. That includes  fancy baking ingredients and sending parcels, also included in incidental holiday expenses.  People also forget the added expense of festive foods. Going to potlucks, providing goodies at home, oranges, nuts in the shell, and the big dinner. It all adds up.