How do you save money during the holidays?

<em><img alt="Jordan Provost" title="Jordan Provost" src="http://img.timeinc.net/realsimple/i/p/Nov06/1106_yrwords_money_3_180.jpg" width="180" align="left" height="240">Real Simple readers reveal their money-saving holiday secrets</em> <p>These days, going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother&#39;s house can cost a small fortune. Throw in the expense of multiple gifts, elaborate meals, and endless rolls of shiny, pretty paper, and you may not be feeling so merry. But don&#39;t fret: Money-saving tips from <em>Real Simple</em> readers will help spread, if not the wealth, a generous helping of holiday cheer.</p> <p><strong>Give Me Five</strong><br> Years ago, my six sisters and I agreed that we&#39;d spend only $5 on one another. Once our gifts are opened, we have a secret ballot to decide who made or purchased the most creative gift -- things like thrift-shop knickknacks or a beautiful vintage towel. The sister with the most votes receives a small prize. It makes the holidays more interesting and fun.<br> Joanne Chavanne<br> La Quinta, California</p> <p><strong>Learn <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1850881,00.html?xid=yshiholsave1"> How to Save on Seasonal Items</a> at <em>Real Simple</em>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Dollars and Sense</strong></p> <p>I put the money that I plan to spend on each family member into separate envelopes. When I buy a gift, the cash comes from a particular envelope until it&#39;s gone.<br> Krystal Krenek<br> Lyford, Texas</p> <p>Instead of paying full price for clothing for my daughters before Christmas, I take them shopping the day after and pay 50 to 75 percent less for the items they want.<br> Dale Wicus<br> Pittsford, New York</p> <p>Shopping year-round and hitting end-of-season sales are great ways to save. Spending a little money each month is easier on my finances than spending a lot in November and December. As a bonus, I can spend the few weeks before the holidays baking, gift wrapping, relaxing, and reflecting instead of fighting the crowds at the mall.<br> Rachel Garlinghouse<br> Collinsville, Illinois</p> <p>Paying for gifts with cash helps me save when I do my holiday shopping. Rather than aimlessly charging items to my credit card, I withdraw the amount that I intend to spend on that particular shopping visit. This requires extra planning to determine how much money I&#39;ll spend for each person, but it also prohibits me from impulsively buying extra items that eventually add up. In addition, when the holidays are over, everything is paid off, and I have spent only what I could afford to spend.<br> Sarah Williams<br> Overland Park, Kansas</p> <p><strong>Learn <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1515807,00.html?xid=yshiholsave6"> How to Manage Your Bills</a> at <em>Real Simple</em>.</strong></p> <p>I&#39;m trying something new this year: I&#39;m saving all my loose change in a jar to take to the Coinstar machine at the grocery store. Then, instead of paying the fee to convert the total into bills, I&#39;ll select gift cards in that amount. Coinstar waives the fee and offers Amazon.com gift cards, which I&#39;m going to use to order Christmas presents. Since the change just sits in a jar all year, it&#39;s automatic savings for the expensive holiday season.<br> Nancy Holm<br> Manalapan, New Jersey</p> <p>My extended family eliminated large, formal holiday dinners and decided to have a night of appetizers, movies, and board games. Every household shares the financial burden and helps out by bringing a few different hors d&#39;oeuvres, beverages, games, and movies. It helps us to enjoy one another&#39;s company, sample lots of treats, and avoid feeling tied to a kitchen, all without breaking our budgets.<br> Denise Jeffries<br> Yakima, Washington</p> <p>I shop early for plane tickets and rental cars for holiday travel. I post a reminder note right above my desk to check my favorite airlines once a month, and I find much better prices.<br> Anastasia Roark<br> Los Angeles, California</p> <strong>More from <em>Real Simple</em></strong>:<br> <p><strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/gallery/0,21863,1124408,00.html?xid=yshiholsave3"> 20 Ways to Save During the Holidays</a><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1608605,00.html?xid=yshiholsave4"> Pet Care 101</a><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realsimplereallife.com/television/browse-by-topic/work-life/save-money-dinner-bill-00000000002929/?xid=yshiholsave5"> Save Money on Your Dinner Bill</a></strong></p>