To help offset splurge spending, Hoot said her family started shopping in August, instead of late November.

“It’s helped us manage our monthly budget better,” Hoot said. “I figured it would be tougher to handle all of our Christmas shopping in just four weeks.”

Hoot said saving loose change has also paid huge dividends.

“We’ve been able to save about $800,” Hoot said. “The trick is to pay for everything in cash and avoid using credit cards.”

More reliance on sales and coupon deals are what Hollister and Eddy said their families are going to do to survive this shopping season.

“We’re just not going to spend as much and try to find the best two-for-one deals or buy one get one free (offers),” Hollister said. “The way things are now definitely affects everyone, some more than others. We’re just taking it in stride.”

Eddy added, “My wife shops for Christmas all year round and is always looking for the sales. She is kind of a sales-a-holic and is a very good comparison shopper. She will even compare the flyers and coupons with one another to see which one has the best deals.”

-- E-mail comments to jnorth@dailyitem.com.