Christmas posts

Well, the good news is you made the effort to get good advice and because of that, you increased your financial IQ and were prepared for Christmas.

The bad news? You didn't follow any of that good advice and now you're even deeper in debt than before.

We asked Alison Griffiths, bestselling author and host of 'Maxed Out', what options are available for people who are suffering Christmas hangover.

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Gail Vaz-Oxlade says people who spent too much money during the Christmas holidays are going to have to buckle down and stop spending.

Overspending at Christmas time is something many of us do. An article in the Toronto Star quoted Dan Demers, an assistant vice-president at TD Canada Trust, who says on average, Canadians spend $587 on food, gifts and entertainment. An RBC survey, which included travel, puts that number higher, at $1,137.

Nowadays, you can find gift cards for everything from coffee and clothing to movies and music and they make great last-minute gifts when you're absolutely stumped about what to get someone.

When you give a gift card, it may seem like the only wrapping solution is to pop it in an envelope with a greeting card but there are other options. Check out these six unique ways to wrap a gift card.

Congratulations shoppers - you've survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

No matter what side of the border you live on, the kickoff of the holiday shopping season is fast and furious with advertising slogans and flyers coming your way to lure you into the store or to click purchase.

But wouldn't it be nice to do some good along with finding the perfect gift with the rest of the holiday budget?

For those of us who want to be more eco-friendly with our gift giving this season, here's ten suggestions that will be happily received and a gift to the planet too.

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It's a little silly, I'll grant, but pet people like myself don't like to leave our furry friends off of the Christmas gift list. Still, I like to be practical both for the sake of my wallet and the actual enjoyment my pet will derive from something. Think chew toy rather than doggie perfume.

So, here are some picks for practical gifts for pets and pet owners.

By Dawn Kawamoto, Consumer Ally

Christmas is just a couple weeks away, and consumers are heading out to snap up Christmas trees so Santa knows where to put the gifts. So, what'll it be? Live or artificial?

It's not just a matter of aesthetic preference or family tradition: Cost is certainly a factor during these tough economic times.

Industry trade groups have provided plenty of fodder for consumers to consider when weighing the costs of a live versus an artificial tree.

You've waited in anticipation for months, and now the wait for the holidays is finally over. It's also traditionally the time of year when most of us will burn a hole in our credit cards.

However, according to a recent Harris/Decima poll conducted for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) most Canadians plan on spending less this holiday season, especially those living in Atlantic Canada.

Regardless of where you live being cheap and cheerful is in. The holidays are about being with loved ones. They're about the experiences you create, not how much money you spend to create those experiences. So whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or ringing in the New Year here is a list of 20 cheap and cheerful ideas to keep the season fun even on the smallest of budgets.

RELATED LINKS:
Best Gifts for Preschoolers Under $30
Best Gifts for Kids Under $30
Holiday Gift Ideas for Tweens
10 Tech Gifts Everyone Wants for Christmas
Best Gifts for Women, From $5 to $100

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by Michelle Hopkins

The Christmas tree ... It's a centuries-old tradition that brings such joy to the holiday season. Each year, family and friends gather around the bedecked Christmas tree to celebrate the holidays.

My French-Canadian father had a family tradition of putting the tree up on Christmas Eve, one he continued throughout his life. It drove us crazy but good old dad would not relent - that's the way it was done in his family and so it would continue in ours! When the revered tree went up though it was quite the celebration in our home.

We would enjoy Reveillon and all that it entails ... tourtieres and cakes!
I don't know about you, but I can't imagine anything other than a real tree in my home, and I'm not alone. Today we put ours up around December 15^th.

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While we're busily buying Christmas presents for friends and relatives, it seems only right that we should give a thought to those who won't be enjoying the holiday season without a bit of help.

Many organizations have their members put together shoe box gifts for specific needs. Here are a few worthy causes and how $10, more or less, can help give someone a happier Christmas this year.

Santa Claus
North Pole, HOH OHO

Dear Santa:

I've been a very good girl this past year - respecting my elders, doing unto others and I wish them to do unto me, and making sure that I always use sunblock, moisturizer and drink lots of water.

As a beauty-obsessed girly girl, I know that there's SO many options from the workshop - but I humbly submit that I would like any of the following to be put under the tree.

And if you feel the need to drop off two or three others, that's great Santa!

Kisses,
Your lip gloss & perfume friend down south

SLIDESHOW: WHAT GIRLY-GIRLS WANT FOR CHRISTMAS