It is that holly, jolly time of year. The air is colder and the days shorter. In the excitement of the season, we can easily overspend. It is important to understand and appreciate that in tough times, as well as good, it is the thought that counts. This year consider getting back to the basics to make the holidays stress free and full of happy memories.

Here are several ideas to make ourselves happier in this holiday season:

KNOW YOUR SPENDING LIMIT: The holidays should not leave you in a bad financial position. Two simple solutions to the problem of gift giving for the many families who want to be budget conscious are:

1. Draw names. This means that each person buys and receives one gift. In fact, the element of surprise -- wondering who drew your name -- can make gift giving more fun. For added interest, set a theme.
2. Agree on spending limits for gifts. Talk and explain your point of view. You may be surprised when others express relief because they are feeling the same way. You might find added pleasure in bargain hunting.

BE REALISTIC: Think for a moment before buying expensive toys or gifts. Focus on appropriate gifts that will be usable all year. They are better than the trendy gifts that will find their way to the back of the closet before the New Year even begins.

FIND TIME FOR EACH OTHER: Spending time together can be a gift in itself. Check your local parks department, libraries, churches and other community service groups for a schedule of family activities. A wide variety of family activities are available that are either free or inexpensive. Check out your local newspapers for free and low-cost activity ideas.

INEXPENSIVE CRAFT IDEAS: Holidays are about having fun and making memories. Here are a few projects to spread holiday cheer:

1. Make homemade clay using salt, flour, water and food coloring. Simply shape the clay into candy canes, snowmen and other holiday shapes. Bake to harden and add a ribbon to make ornaments.
2. Make a scrapbook of children's drawings. Write a poem or story about how much your family means to you. Collect family recipes to make a special cookbook. Gifts like these are easy on the budget. They are often more meaningful to the recipients than a store-bought gift.
3. Rummage around the house for bits of fabric, buttons, and odds and ends that can be used for decorating. Gather items like pine cones, leaves and twigs to make creative ornaments and keepsakes. Even plain white paper can be cut into "snowflakes" and hung in a window.
4. Make personal greeting cards and stationery using your computer.

Inexpensive gift ideas: Homemade gifts and ornaments are an inexpensive alternative to the shopping mall. Some of the most treasured gifts are ones made by family members. Here are some gift ideas to get you started:

1. Think about giving a gift certificate offering the recipient a needed home improvement or repair service that you provide at a time of their choice.
2. Make a coupon book that includes things that have special appeal for the person receiving it. For example, a coupon for their favorite home-cooked meal, one to bake cookies together, go grocery shopping, or just spend the day together making a special memory.
3. Parents of young children can put together a gift box of dress-up clothes. Collect old scarves, jewelry, hats, shoes, and colorful clothes or uniforms. Kids of all ages can have hours of fun playing dress up.
4. For clothing and toys, check out thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, and church sales. Sometimes you can find that one-of-a-kind item that makes just the perfect gift.
5. Give a gift to the person's favorite charity in his/her name. You and the recipient can feel good about doing something good for others in need.

A perfect holiday season is one that makes happy moments and lasting memories. Let these suggestions help you create a very special gift for yourself, too -- the best holiday season ever!