Unless you're Scrooge, it's difficult to say no.

However, if you think before you make that next shopping trip, you can still have a great holiday season and march into 2012 without a pile of unpaid bills.

Here are 10 surefire ways to enjoy the holidays for less and avoid post-season cash shortages. Some of these tips may seem obvious. But obvious doesn't mean we will automatically follow them. So, aim to activate at least 4 of these money savers.

(1) Make a list and check it twice

Take it with you and then and write down the dollar amount you're spending on each person. Keep a running total. This should prevent a free-for-all.

(2) Comparison shop

Before you head for the mall, find out where the lowest prices are in your area. At Shop Local (www.shoplocal.com) begin by entering the name of your city or town. Then there are several ways to compare prices.

•(a)   Shop by stores near you -- Best Buy, Home Depot, JC Penney, Kohl's, Macy's, Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom, OfficeMax, PETCO, Radio Shack, Target, Sears, Staples and others.

•(b)  Or, search by category -- babies, boats, cameras, clothing, computers, food & drink, jewelry, shoes, TV, toys, travel & luggage, etc.

(c) Finally, search by popular brand names -- Hermes, Kenneth Cole,    Michael Kors, Nike, etc.

Updated 24/7, Shop Local also has special printable discount coupons.

(3) Use a debit card

That way, you won't be tempted to go overboard and buy a mink instead of a cloth coat.

$TIP: Determine how much you wish to spend during the holiday season and buy that amount in travelers checks. Then, leave your credit cards at home during the rest of December and spend your the travelers checks. This strategy makes it easy to see how much you've spent at any given time and how much you have left.

(4) Don't buy on time

If you can't pay for something within 30 days, you shouldn't be buying it. People you give presents to won't enjoy them if they know you've gone into debt to purchase them.

(5) Set up a family & friends gift exchange

Buying something for everyone in your family can be time consuming and expensive.

This year put all the names in a bowl and have each person draw just one. This not only cuts back on the cost and the stress of shopping, but it also gives you more time to think about what to give that one special relative, roommate or friend.

(6) Skip presents

In lieu of exchanging presents, get your family, friends or roommates together for a night out -- with each of you paying for your own drinks and dinner at your favorite restaurant. Bring a camera.

$TIP: If you have friends or relatives you know really well and who fall into the category of those "who don't need a thing," set a silly or low dollar amount and see who can come up with the most unusual present. You might pick $20.11, based on the year 2011. This puts the emphasis on creativity and cleverness rather than on how expensive something is.

(7) Think geography

If you live near your state's border and the next state over has lower prices or a lower sales tax, take advantage of this geographical plus.

(8) Wait until the last minute

If you can handle the uncertainty, buy presents on Christmas Eve...they'll be 50% to 65% lower than regular prices.

(9) Share holiday dinners

It's a lot of work, expensive and time consuming to shop, prepare and serve Christmas, Hanukah or New Year's Day meals. So make it a potluck affair this year with everyone bringing part of the meal. (This works well for New Year's Eve, too.) Those who don't like to stuff turkeys, mash potatoes or bake pies can bring the sparkling water, wine or champagne.

Finally...

(10) Think ahead

Holidays are a given. This time next year, they'll be back. So shop the January sales for decorations, cards, wrapping paper and presents. You'll save anywhere from 50% to 75%.

Happy Holidays!

- Nancy Dunnan