LPT: If one of your family members/friends is in a tough spot financially this Christmas, ask them if they'd like to skip the gifts or set a maximum value. It's embarrassing for them to ask, and there's no better gift than some extra breathing room when you're short on money.

My family does a gift exchange every year, and my mom is great about asking us if we want to be included. It was a huge relief to have the option of skipping gifts when I was in college.