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A retailer's holiday season sales will make or break them for the entire year. In a sluggish economy a lower consumer index could spell disaster for retailers. But these facts can work to the consumer's advantage, especially on the biggest shopping day of the year—the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers frequently offer "loss-leaders" or selected products that are offered at less than the store's cost. They do this to get the customer to do the majority of their shopping in their store.

Think about it. If someone comes into the store to get the dirt-cheap $8 hand-held video games, a $99 bargain of a digital camera, and a low-priced $135 DVD player, then they're more likely to go ahead and buy full-priced decorations, wrapping supplies, and smaller gifts as well. The marketing department counts on this strategy but the wise shopper uses these sales to their advantage.

Wise holiday shoppers need to develop their sales strategy long before they ever hit those retail doors. Here's a game plan designed to save time, stress, and money.

The Reason for the Season. This is really the most important aspect of giving gifts—the why of this season. It's good to remind ourselves that Christmas is about celebrating Christ's birth and expressing our love for him and those we love (partially by giving gifts). Other gifts of time, a listening ear, and acts of service are all ways we can show love to those in our community. For every material gift you give during this most wonderful time of the year, try also to give the gift of a smile, a kind word, or a note of encouragement.

Budget. Establish a holiday budget with your spouse and purpose not to accumulate credit-card debt. Let the rest of the family know that you are trying to be financially responsible stewards of God's resources by spending less than you make. Help your children establish a budget for their gifts, too.

List. While you're driving in the car to Grandma's house for dinner or waiting for your pecan pie to bake or standing in line at the post office, make a list of all the people you want to bless with a gift.

Check It Twice. Now go back to that list and determine which folks you would like to give a simple, inexpensive gift to (such as baked goods or a card with a family picture). Try to whittle down the list and remember that when you give a gift, the receiver oftentimes feels obligated to reciprocate. This sensitivity may help you in your decision making.

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