People are already predicting this will be a more expensive and chaotic holiday season due to labor shortages and supply chain issues.  The holidays can be a tricky time of year, emotionally, financially, and physically.  We’re eating too much, gaining weight, being stressed at work as it’s been a long year, and buying things to make ourselves feel better. So don’t get too caught up in “oh, it’s the holidays” and spending too much money.  This is the perfect year to focus on reigning in your holiday spending!Last year we did an episode on 6 ways to save during the holidays, but we’re upping it with a list of 25 ideas for saving this year!  25 tips to take control of holiday spending:The deals are already here, so you can start shopping now.  Avoid last-minute shopping, especially this year.  Amazon has already rolled out Black Friday-level discounts, and Target announced their “deal days” online.  Many are predicting a lot of things will be sold out before December.  Shop local.  Shopping at smaller, local retailers can help you avoid shipping costs, delays, and higher prices due to supply chain issues.  And support your local community and businesses!Make a shopping list.  Do not just go browsing stores with no plan. That’s a recipe for disaster.  Making a list will save you money when you’re shopping any time of year, but especially during the holidays.  Think about what your kids need vs. want.  Mix in some needs to their gifts.  Almost half of my kid’s Christmas presents are things they need, like new pajamas. Set a budget for your gifts for people, especially children.   If you just keep picking up different things for your kids over a couple of months, you’ll have way more than you need or intended.  Set spend limits to keep things reasonable.  Consider discussing and setting spend limits with friends or family where this might be helpful.  Spend within YOUR budget, not other people’s budgets or expectations.  Consider a gift exchange.  If you have a group of friends, co-workers, or family that you’ll be with and would typically all be expected to buy gifts, suggest doing a white elephant style or more traditional gift exchange.  Avoid the season’s “hot” gifts. They’re overpriced, and if they’re great, you can get it for half off in 6 months. If it’s on the cover of the Amazon catalog, avoid it.Tame and limit the holiday decor.  It’s great if you love holiday decor, but all things in moderation. For example, you don’t need new holiday pillows for your couch every year.  I have a few bathroom holiday towels I put out, and I’ve been putting out the same towels for 15 years.  They spend one month in action, so they last a long time! Instead, focus on creating hygge or holiday coziness, which doesn’t cost a lot of money.Spend reasonably on the holiday entertaining.  You can make an amazing charcuterie board from Aldi or Trader Joes; it doesn’t have to break the bank.  Keep things simple, fun, and affordable!  Remember the holidays are about spending time with your friends and family, not impressing them with fancy things.  Consider buying things second-hand or used.  Get creative and make things!  Give the gift of your time. For example, give your partner a coupon book for a massage or give your kids a coupon book for a game of four square.  Give your kids a rain-check if there is something they really want where the price has gotten unreasonably high. Then, get it for them in March 2022 when prices get back to normal.  Leverage coupons, offers, and sales.  This could be choosing clothing for your kids from Sams Club and Costco or looking at the offers inside your credit card app to see where you can score a great deal.  Always google search for a coupon or discount code before you make any purchase online.  And considering using apps like Honey to ensure you’re getting the best deals and coupons.  Earn cash-back, points, or miles on your purchases.  Use a cash-back site like Rakuten to get a little something extra for our p