Christmas is one time of year that people panic over the amount of debt they owe.  You become torn between making sure your family has a good Christmas and paying of your current unsecured debt bills, such as credit cards and loans.  What can one missed payment hurt, right?  One missed payment is reported on your credit record, and that could cause you to go from having good credit to bad credit in one shot.  Instead of worrying over how to make all of your ends meet at Christmas time, start planning a little debt management for yourself before the holiday season. 

Instead of going wild on expensive presents this year, you could plan on one nice gift for each member of your family you buy for on a regular basis. Don't hide that your money is tight from your family.  Let them know what is going on and you will find that they are very understanding during this time.  If you are good at making things, make your Christmas gifts this year and save money by giving a gift of the heart.  Additionally, spend less money on food and drink, keeping your costs down. 

You can reduce your monthly utility costs by refraining from putting up a lot of Christmas decorations, especially ones outside that use a lot of electricity.  Instead, decorate inside and only use electric decorations, such as lights on your Christmas tree or elsewhere when you are enjoying the setting.  Keeping your electric usage down will help cut utility costs.  Additionally, turn your heat down five degrees and huddle up under blankets while watching the telly or in bed at night.  This will help save on your heating costs throughout the holiday season. 

Start planning your Christmas shopping early and try to put a little bit of money aside.  Set yourself a spending budget and try not to go over it.  Shop online and try to catch as many sales in the stores as possible.  Quite often you can save yourself money shopping online during the holidays and pre-holiday season, as many online retailers will offer free shipping on their goods. 

Not paying off your monthly debts is not the way to get through the holiday season.  It is better to have a roof over your head and your utilities paid than purchasing the most expensive gifts and decorations money can buy.  Celebrate the holidays by being thankful for your home, your family, and what you do have instead of driving yourself deeper into debt that you could have trouble with later down the road.