I have been setting aside money in my budget for the past few months, so I'm ready in that sense.  I definitely haven't started shopping though!  We have a lot of fall birthdays and I always seem to wait until they are all over before focusing on Christmas.  This will be my first holiday season with in-laws and I'm kinda nervous because they are REALLY into presents and such.  My family was pretty thrifty and didn't really buy a lot.  It will be a growing experience for my husband and myself. :)

Good for you!  Just saving a little all year long really can make a difference when the holidays are knocking on your door!

I am so excited this year because I have been faithfully saving $75 each month so my Christmas is totally paid for.  I have 2 girls and we spend $200 each on them (they are 13 & 21).  My husband and I budgeted $100 each and then the rest is for family or wiggle room for the girls' gifts.  We were debt free at the end of 2009 with the help of my hero Dave Ramsey and I want to keep it that way!

I buy all the "friend" and co worker gifts the day after Christmas, so those are already done. I just have to worry about family now. 

I am having a baby soon, so I have no idea what to expect there. The money has been saved, but with hospital and doctors bills, I am hoping to keep that money for fun and not function.

I've picked up about 4 or 5 gifts here and there for Christmas. We're about to have a big job transition, which means we actually get to SAVE money, so that's good. I'll be tucking away cash until the big day. I will also be making several gifts, and I'm not above picking up things at Goodwill or garage sales. (Nice and classy, I know) My biggest issue with Christmas is getting the kids things. We want to get them something they'll love, without overdoing it, because they'll get presents from grandparents and aunts and uncles. I think we're going to get the kids 3 gifts (one large, maybe to share, and 2 small).