Saving money at Christmas is on a lot of people’s minds by early fall.  How do we make this time of celebration memorable without breaking the budget?With imagination, creativity, and thinking outside the box.  You don’t have to go into debt to make the holidays fun !  Making it a homemade Christmas is one such way to spur new ideas in gift giving and decorating. With a bit of time, creativity in finding resources, and minimum to advanced skill levels, you can design homemade Christmas gift ideas and decor that will have friends and family in awe of your talents and all while saving money!  Here’s a few ideas to get you going.Frugal Christmas decor ideas:-Use color. Look in discount stores (such as all-for-a-dollar) for red and green placemats, table runners and dish or hand towels. For minimal expense you can add holiday color to brighten your home.-If you live in an area where balsam and fir can be obtained; bring in a few sprigs and add to a colorful container. Add a couple inexpensive craft picks with artificial poinsettias, pine cones or other holiday decoration.  Voila ! You have a table centerpiece.-Check out thrift stores such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or your local church thrift store for baskets, Christmas decorations, and other items that can be purchased for a fraction of what you’d pay new. Homemade Christmas gift ideas:-Think about the person you’re giving a gift to. What do they like?  Is there something that you can make that’s related to their interest?  For instance, many women love to pamper themselves.  How about creating scented bath sea salts and adding them to a pretty jar ?  Or, for the guys: think food. A dinner or dessert a month gift certificate would be well received. – Gifts of time are always a wonderful Christmas present. Think pet, house, or babysitting services. -Can you knit, sew, or woodwork? How can you incorporate those talents into gift giving this year?Other money saving Christmas tips:-Forego sending lots of holiday greeting cards and the postage costs that come with it. E-greetings sent online are cheap, can be personalized, and most people have a computer to receive them !-Make luminaries with candles, or spotlight a single outdoor Christmas tree or wreath, instead of taxing your city’s electrical grid (and adding to your light bill.) -Think of how much holiday food goes to waste in your home each year and taper back on all the goodies. Instead of baking 20 different types of Christmas cookies, limit yourself to 5. They will be enjoyed equally as well and you’ll have less work and expense !-As the host or hostess, have potluck gatherings instead of supplying all the food and beverages at parties. Most people have a favorite holiday recipe they love to share. Why not let them this year?There are so many more ways to stretch your Christmas dollars. It takes some creativity, but often the most simple of holidays is also the most memorable.