Tight budgets and limited free time can be a source of stress this holiday season. Finding enough money in your budget to make gift giving enjoyable can be a real challenge.

It is possible, however, to cut back on your gift budget and still be a generous gift giver. Remember the old saying "It's the thought that counts, not the price that's paid for the gift."

Don't wait until the last minute when stores are crowded to do your Christmas shopping, when everyone else seems to be shopping. Most department stores make about 25 percent of their annual sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Plan ahead, so that you have time to enjoy the traditional pleasures of the Christmas season. Some ideas to trim gift-giving expenses follow:

• Make a Christmas gift list with names, gift ideas and price estimates. Next total the amount you plan to spend. If this figure is more than you can afford, you will need to make some changes.
• List several alternatives for each name on your list, then look for sales in the price range you can afford. Most important -- stick with your plan.
• Check sales for gift items. See newspaper ads and store circulars for gifts you are considering. See which stores are running specials and shop where prices are lowest. Keep in mind that during November and December, prices are normally reduced on a number of items, including children's clothing, women's coats, shoes, slippers, men's clothing, resort and cruise wear, blankets, table linens, party goods, and appliances such as radios, toasters, stereos and televisions.
• Don't rush into a purchase because of an advertised claim of a low price. Know what the regular price is before buying an on-sale item. Often one store's sale price is another's regular price.
• Shop different types of stores to compare prices. Look at discount stores, catalog showrooms, factory outlets, as well as department stores.
• Be sure to keep receipts of credit purchases and total the expenditures at regular intervals to make sure you stay within the limits of your Christmas spending plan. Also check and keep receipts. If mistakes occur you will need the receipt to help in correcting errors.

If you do feel stressed, avoid last minute shopping. It leads to not only fatigue but also overspending and often making poor selections. For more information on managing on a budget contact your local county Extension office.

Dr. Jo Turner, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics