If you are just starting your holiday shopping....here are some tips to keep on budget.   

Don't shop without a list

Don't buy gifts for people who are no longer meaningful to you

Tell those with whom you usually exchange gifts well in advance that you're skipping the custom this time around so they can adjust their own shopping lists

Set hard spending limits

Choose the homemade route over hit-or-miss purchases

Shop all year for the best prices

Don't skip the tip--stiffing the people you should tip is a no-no

Adopt a family or charity and pool your resources to make the holidays brighter for someone else