Many people feel overwhelmed at holiday time. They don't think it is remotely possible to get the food, the gifts, and provide the level of hospitality that modern culture seems to require. But you can survive Christmas! Here are some tips to help.

1) Try and shop all year for specials and "markdowns" that will fulfill some family gift giving. Store them ahead for the holidays. This can be wrapping paper and other holiday items bought on sale last January to just a monthly pant sale in the summer.

2) Make things yourself. Can you sew or knit of crochet. People loose hats and mittens every winter. These are easy to make. Can you bake? Instead of a box of expensive store cookies turn a dollars worth of flour into some lovely frosted homemade treats. With so many people working full time, "homemade" is a bonus not a derogatory.

3) Shop store "Loss Leaders." These are items on sale for less than their market value to get you in the store. Just buy these items and walk away from regular price items. For instance, you get the sale price turkey and walk away from the marked up salad greens.

4) Use coupons to add to any loss leader prices. For instance, that turkey may also have a manufacturer's coupon for further savings.

5) Entertain at home. Plan home entertainment rather than making big travel plans. Invite friends and family over for cookies and pie instead of meeting them at restaurants, or expensive public events.

6) Always check the sale rack first. Even expensive Department stores have markdown rack. They often mark down extensively to clear items.

7) Let other people do it. If you are on a budget tell friends and family memebrs you can't afford to hot a big family event. Let someone else do it this year.

8) Plan Pot Luck events. Everyone brings just one dish and that way no one is drained financially to host a gathering for family or friends.

9) Do a drawing among a gift group. Don;t have everyone in the family buy for everyone else. Everyone picks a name a send that person. This works for work and groups of friends too.

10) Remember the needy. Buy a toy for "Toys for Tots" or other Local children's Events. Donate a turkey or fresh oranges to the local food pantry. Give to the local soup kitchen as they feed many people at holiday events!