Posted in Money Matters
Work from a Budget
Make a list of everyone you plan to give holiday gifts to this year with an estimate of what you want to spend. Add a small buffer for unexpected gifts for people you forgot to include, or for people who unexpectedly gave you a gift and you feel you have to reciprocate. A gift card or homemade Christmas baking work well for these situations.
Research Ahead of Time
Spend some time getting gift ideas for everyone on your list. Once you have an idea of what you’re going buy, comparison shop on-line.
Pay Cash
It’s easy to overspend when your charging purchases to your credit card. When the money is coming right out of your bank account, you’re more likely to spend less.
Organize Your Shopping Time
The easiest way to stick to your Christmas gift budget is to block out a couple of specific times to shop, and complete it during those times. Browsing leads to overbuying. If you plan to shop online, make that one of your designated shopping sessions.
Don’t Get Sucked in by a Sale
That foot massager may be a great price, but does it fit your budget? Does anyone on your list want a foot massager? If not, leave the “bargain” behind.
Don’t Buy for Yourself
It’s easy to see things you would like, while you’re out buying gifts for others. Even if it’s something you need, ignore it. Your bank account will be in better shape if you don’t give in to temptation.
Track Your Spending
When you see the numbers adding up, you’re less likely to overspend. Your log can be compared to your budget to ensure that you’re sticking to your plan.
Shop All Year
Shopping under pressure leads to overspending. Keep your eyes open all year round for sale items that will work for your gift reuqirments. If you shop early you’ll save money and feel less stressed as the holidays approach.
Use eBay and Craigslist
Often you can find brand-new merchandise at bragain prices.
Recommended: The Zen Habits Handbook for Life! 
译文:
如何节省圣诞节支出
发布在 理财
安排开支
制作一张你今年要送礼物的人员名单以及估算一下要花多少钱。另外再增加一小笔钱，用来购买你忘记了或突如其来送你礼物而且你要回礼的礼物。这些情况只要送一张节日卡片或家制的圣诞糕点就可以了。
提前研究
花一些时间列出要送给每一个人礼物的名称。一旦你有了想要买的礼物，就可以去网上店铺比较一下。
现金支付
如果你用信用卡支付很容易超支。但如果这些钱是直接从你的银行帐户提取，你就会很节俭地花。
组织购买时间
把握你圣诞节礼物预算最容易的方式就是安排一两个具体的时间去购物。如果是随便逛逛容易导致购买过多。如果你计划网上购物，就找一个你指定的网店。
不要被特价商品拖下水
足部按摩仪的价格可能很不错，但是它符合你的预算吗？你清单上列出的有需要足部按摩仪的吗？如果没有，请离开这个“特价商品”。
不要为自己买礼物
当你在买别人礼物的时候，你很容易看到自己喜欢的东西。即使你需要，也不要买。如果你不抵制这种诱惑的话，你的银行帐号状况将会变差。
跟进你的开支
当你看到数字不断地上升，可能你就不会让其超支。把你的记录和你的开支对比一下，可确保你自己的计划不受影响。
全年采购
压力下的采购会导致超支。全年关注销售的产品，也许其中就有你要的产品。如果你的提前购买，就会省钱，到圣诞节来临的时候压力也会比较小。
使用易趣和信息分类网站
你通常会发现全新的特价商品
来源： 禅宗习惯生活手册