Here are some strategies to help you save this Christmas and beat the financial blues.

•MAKE A LIST, CHECK IT TWICE. Don't be tempted to buy things because they "may end up being a good gift for someone", you will be far better off to have a set list of gifts for certain people. You can estimate what each will cost and budget appropriately rather than impulsively picking items that look nice and then realising you have no one to give them to.

•DECK THE HALLS with a little less this year. Work out:

1) What you need.

2) What the family can't live without.

3) What will not be too badly missed.

For example, group one will include Christmas lunch and dinner, however, things like crackers and eggnog may fall into group two and fancy napkins can probably fall under group three.

•GIVE THE GIFT OF YUM. Baking is a cheap and easy way to impress people that fall into the in- between category (those who do not require a "real" present but will probably be offended if they get nothing), such as colleagues, bosses or teachers. Bake cupcakes, fruit pies, rum truffles or Christmas cakes that can be divided and wrapped festively for an affordable and thoughtful gift.

•MAKE IT FUN, NOT EXPENSIVE. You won't be the only person on a budget, so try organising a Secret Santa in the office or home so each person only buys one gift. There is also the added fun of who you get to buy for and more thought will be put into gifts.

•DON'T FORGET your regular bills while caught up in the festive flurry.

HERE are some tips from Cityprom executive officer Karen Stallard on making this Christmas merry for everyone.

•SHOP LOCALLY. This is the gift you can give to the whole community. Not only will you enjoy the experience of rediscovering Launceston's wonderful variety of locally-owned shops, gift-stores, eateries and boutiques, you will help keep local people employed. Remember, of every $100 you spend locally, $45 stays to be recycled in your community.