Do you put yourself in debt shopping for the holidays by using plastic?

I save half the money I make online all year long to use to buy gifts. We do shopping all year long, too. If I see something that I know one of my nieces would like, and it's on sale in June, I will buy it. I already have most of my Christmas shopping done. I just have to buy something for my dad, my husband, and a few more things for my toddler. My nieces, siblings, and mom have all been done for a while, as well as my in-laws. I don't think my husband has bought my present yet, either, so I will have to give him some of the money that I have saved, but otherwise, I can spend any of it I want on the presents I mentioned above, as long as I keep in mind that my mom's birthday is in January and my son, along with one of my nieces have February birthdays, so I will need to buy those presents soon.

I don't use credit cards because I don't want that debt. I start buying in August so that I don't have to spend so much money all at one time. That way I can buy a little bit at a time and not have to worry about it.

A few years back including that of last year, I admit that I'm guilty of doing this. I charged almost every grocery item and gifts for my loved ones. But this year, I'm certain that it won't happen anymore, because I'm still in the process of paying all of my three credit card debts which total to approximately a hundred thousand pesos or $2,000. I've been paying for them for more than six months already & my outstanding debt has gone down to $1,300. It's still a long way but thank God, I've already learned my lesson. Now, as much as possible, I don't want to use it anymore. If by the near future I would be able to fully pay all of these credit card debts, I'll remind myself not to apply for any credit card anymore - hopefully. Though I want to immitate or follow your example of setting aside a portion of my monthly pay for use in the holidays, I just possibly can't because all of the excess from my pay goes to paying the credit card bills, utility bills, groceries, transportation fare, and rent for the house.

I don't have any credit cards and I like it that way. If I don't have cash then I don't buy it. I had a couple of them about 10 years ago and I am glad I don't have them anymore. They cause alot of problems and you end up paying more in the long run.

I don't put myself in debt for ANY reason, especially not Christmas. When I use my plastic I don't spend more than I can pay off month's end. For Christmas I stick to a budget and pay cash. I really like to order online so I'm not tempted to buy all of the other things I see in the store. In years past I'd end up spending more on myself than for the people I had intended to buy for because I was too tempted by the things that were priced well that I wanted. If I don't have much $$ for Christmas I make things for people. I still believe that it's the thought that counts not how much is spent and I would never go into debt on buying gifts.

I used to do this every year but not anymore. I started saving early with a Christmas account at my bank last year. That was really helpful. I also shop a little bit all year round so I don't get hit with the expense all at once. I have a really big family so this is the only way I can do it! My husband thinks I am crazy for all the money I spend on Christmas gifts. I have a really hard time spending even a nickel on myself, but I LOVE giving gifts!

The plastic (aka CC) is always a temptation for me when I don't have enough cash on hand. I also loathe the holiday season - especially Christmas. If I'm not careful, the plastic (debit or credit card) may undergo a vigorous workout.

I don't use plastic cards, I use home shopping agents mainly because the payment is easier for me. I like the fact that I can either get straight cash or I can get a catalogue from them and browse through that and then I can pay it off through the year. It isn't such a hit on my finances that way. I usually end up spending around £500 on home shopping for christmas which sounds a lot but as well as having to buy for my two, I have to buy for my 7 stepkids as well even though they live with their mother. Anything that I don't like in the catalogue or i think I can find cheaper elsewhere, I will go hunting for in my local market.