Christmas is just a few months away. If you’re smart, you’ll know that you should better start your holiday shopping now. Here are some tips on how to budget your hard-earned cash for Thanksgiving and Christmas:

If you’re planning your Christmas budget, make sure that you include all the expenses you expect to incur. This includes Christmas gifts, food for Christmas parties, Christmas dinner, and other Christmas activities in which you’ll be involved.

Make a list (and check it twice). Even Santa knows the value of lists. Write down all the things you think you need. Break them in smaller groups. Those which you can buy early and those which you can buy at a later date. This way, you’ll be able to allot portions of the cost in your budget during the months leading to Christmas. As for Christmas gifts, if you really are strapped for cash, keep them to your closest family members and friends. You don’t have to give everyone something.

Don’t forget to include your regular bills and expenses. They won’t stop even if it’s the holidays (although we fervently wish they would just disappear that one time each year).

Stick to your list and stick to your budget. Never max out your credit cards if you go over budget. You’ll simply end up paying more later on.