Are the holidays going to be effected by the economy this year, will you travel? SHARE YOUR IDEAS!!!!!

So the news is already talking about how the economy is going to effect the holiday shopping and travel plans of Americans. So what does this mean for you and your family? Do you still plan to shop or are you cutting back this year? Do you plan to go to grandma's this year or are your travel plans cut back due to the economy. Is the economy going to ruin your holidays? There are ways to cut back and have fun, it is all in the thought of it. If spending tons of money is the only way you can have fun at Christmas maybe you should sit back and think about this. There are many free things you can do. My kids love to go look at lights. Have a cookie party at your house and exchange cookies with friends, last year a group of friends did a side dish party 2 days before Christmas, it really helped out for the crowd that was at my house,works the same as the cookie party just decide what you would like to exchange. Our neighborhood has a caroling party with a fire pit ,we really enjoyed this one! We ask our kids to give us a list of 5 things and choose from the list, they don't get them all and there is a max price decided on way before Christmas. As for traveling we do still plan to travel to see Grandma, she hasn't been well and my kids love the family get together. Most of all we must remember what the season is all about. Giving thanks to God and remembering him first! A time when you as a family can give back to God what he has given to you. Count your blessings and be grateful, for even when we don't realize we are very fortunate, money and the price is not what counts, its is the thought and the blessing received from. PLEASE SHARE YOUR IDEAS, HELP EACH OTHER FIND WAYS TO SAVE, SHARE YOUR BLESSINGS!!!!!!!