There's nothing wrong with "cheaping out" this holiday season. Recession. Layoffs. Work slowdowns. Poor stock performance... Hello: It's a miracle anyone even feels festive at all!

One recent US Gallup poll showed that 35 percent of Americans plan to spend less on holiday presents than last year. And one in five Britons plan to spend less this season compared to last, according to one recent UK study. It's fairly safe to say Canadians are likely to be similarly cautious as we wait out the recession.

How can you conquer the Holiday Gimmes?

You're probably already starting to hear the occasional "Mom, I want..." and "Daddy, I wish Santa would get me..." Add to that your own nagging thought that maybe you should buy 'Rock Band' because all the other neighbourhood parents -- er, kids -- have it, and well, the holidays can turn into a season of gimme-gimme-gimme. A far cry from holiday cheer, right?

Conquering the commodification of Christmas is easier said than done, we admit. But baby steps can make all the difference. Spend less and give more this holiday season. The recession is a great excuse to cut back on family purchases and to start donating money, gifts or time to charity instead.

Your take on parties changes once you have kids. A "killer party" used to be one that the police and fire department had to break up at 3am. Now it's one where parents chat a bit, eat a bit, and hopefully gulp down a glass of Merlot before it's time to go home – and the kids don't tear apart the family room too much. If broken electronic equipment, food poisoning and tears are averted, the party's a success. Cheers!

Holiday dinners can be a source of stress for many families. Some hosts may find time or money in short supply. And some guests may feel shortchanged by not being included in holiday meal planning (especially where dietary restrictions may be concerned). The perfect solution? Going potluck.

There are a number of benefits to potluck entertaining:

COST: With food expenses split between host and guests, it's a recession-friendly solution to rising food costs.

EFFORT: No one's trapped in the kitchen for two days leading up to the Big Dinner; everyone contributes a dish, and gets to enjoy the results.

SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarians, for instance, are assured of options if they're in charge of a meatless dish, plus they'll have a head's up on what others are bringing.

VARIETY OF FOOD: More chefs = more variety. Let the meat-and-potatoes relative manage the meat (maybe the potatoes, too!), while the health nut can tackle winter salad. Everyone makes what they excel at: Talk about win-win-win!

'Tis the season for entertaining, so let your home shine! Welcome guests and celebrate the holidays with a bounty of simply chic decorating tips courtesy of Samantha Pynn. We spoke with the host of HGTV's Pure Design (she's also a contributing editor at 'Style At Home' magazine) to get the lowdown on Holiday 2009's hot trends and how they can work their festive magic in your home this winter – no matter what your budget.

Holidays + busy moms = major stress. "All you have to do is walk through a store around the holidays and you can easily spot the frazzled moms," says Alana Morales, mommy blogger and author of the book 'Domestically Challenged'. "The holidays are about people and relationships, and if moms are too busy to enjoy that part of it, they'll be stressed and maybe even resentful," says Morales.

Want to give someone you love a gift they'll always remember? Start by thinking outside the box – literally. Here are some ideas for great experience-based gifts for every interest.