Holiday Spending: All Pinch, No Grinch.

It's that time of year– when sparkling garlands, festive elves, and giant candy cane-striped banners all remind us that if we don't spend, spend, spend, we're just plain un–American.

For many people this year, though, wallets are thinner, and spending like there's no tomorrow is simply not a responsible option. If you're trying to hold back, this Hannukah, conserve cash at Christmas, or save some cents around Solstice, we're here to help with a list of a few ways you can do just that and still get in the holiday spirit.

1. Oh, the pretty, pretty lights. Let's face it, even with the glowing mega-display down at Bayfront, you still want a few sparklies decking your abode. Led lights are a great option to save on your energy bill– they use 80-90 percent less energy than standard bulbs. They're admittedly more expensive, but a good investment for long term use. If you don't want to drop the dough on led's this year, consider picking up a timer for your lights. They'll turn them on and off for you, so you won't leave your lights twinkling all night long after you saunter to bed in a groggy, egg-nog haze.

2. Cookie parties. It's a bummer to show up at a get-together without a little something to offer the other guests this time of year, but baking spritz, icing sugar cookies, and manhandling a tenuous batch of gingerbread men along with a hundred other items is costly in terms of time and money. Set up a cookie party with a few friends. Everyone makes several items (enough to share) and all exchange their wares so that everyone ends up with a wide range of delights to share at other events throughout the season.

3. Holiday cards. You rue the arrival of the early-December cards, because it's a reminder of the fact that you haven't even started yours, yet. the cost of stamps has gone up steadily, and with a mile-long list of recipients, you could go half-broke just sending out your warm wishes and season's greetings. No one ever said that there's a holiday card has to be a big bi-fold piece in a matching envelope. Sending out holiday postcards is cheaper and easier and still gets the well-wishing job done.

4. Shop second-hand stores. Pick up like-new items, buy glassware and other items you can personalize with your crafty wiles. Places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Savers, and other local shops can have some really cool items you won't find anywhere else, and they gear up for the holidays with special items and ideas, just like the gluttonous big box retailers do.

5. Do a toy exchange. Chances are that if you have kids, you know other people who do, as well. Especially when they're small, kids outgrow their interest in toys pretty quickly. Hook up with friends who have children of varying ages and trade off toys. It's a great way to introduce the kids to some new goodies without sinking fifty bucks into an item that little Susie will love for six months and then kick under her bed.

6. Hit the dollar store. We're not suggesting you try to locate high-quality big-ticket items there, but dollar stores are a goldmine for cheap gift wrap supplies, stocking stuffers, gag gifts (which some of us actually enjoy more than real gifts), candy dish goodies, and cheap decorations.

7. The gift wrap shouldn't cost more than the gift. But sometimes it does, which is demented and wrong. You don't have to swathe every package in poinsettia-printed irridescent gift wrap. There are a LOT of other options out there. Use old paper bags, cheap vinyl tablecloths (hello again, dollar store!), pretty magazine pages, or let your kids decorate some freezer paper.

8. Give the gift of your time. If funds are tight, consider sharing your time, in honor of a gift recipient. Find a cause that's close to a friend or family member's heart and do something special to make the world a better place. If your brother struggled his whole life with a learning disability, spend some time tutoring at a local school. If your grandma always talks about growing up poor, volunteer at the Damiano Center. There are boundless opportunities in the Duluth-Superior area to offer gifts that are far more meaningful than a Wii or an iPod.

9. He doesn't need to go to Jared. For real. I've heard all too many spouses and significant others worry over what to give the object of their affection for the holidays. With rare exception, most people are more concerned with thoughtfulness than with expense (and frankly, if the reverse is true, your gift-giving ability is probably the least of your problems.) Take a tour around Duluth and Superior and snap pics of your favorite places to be together. If you met at Red Mug, go take a pic. Photograph the Lakewalk, where you went roller-blading for your first date. Get an image of the Courthouse, where you were married, or the park, where you fell off the slide and got a concussion. Life is all about the experiences we share, and remembering those is a lot sweeter than polishing some pricey earrings.

10. Entertain yourself on the cheap! There are activities in Duluth and Superior all month long that cost little or nothing, but a DuSu fave is the holiday light crawl. Hop in your car, bring a mug of chocolate, and do an evening tour of local light displays. Some are amazing and beautiful, others are fabulously over-the-top and ridiculous. It's a great way to see the holiday spirit in action. And a lot of crazy, giant inflatable yard decorations.
 
Make merry, have fun, and enjoy the people in your life. Unlike that giant plasma screen, they're non-refundable gifts!