I, my hubby, and my mom all do a Christmas Club account in the bank every year. We put in $5 or whatever each week and get a check around Halloween. Mom usually does about $500 per year, hubby and I do $750 a year each.

My $750 buys for hubby, mom, cats, coworkers, and a few other family & church members. We buy wrapping paper at the after Chrismas sales for 50% off or better and stockpile it along with tape, bows etc. So we spend very little anymore on those expenses. Buying a tree (haven't done that in 2 years) comes out of our 'household expense' fund which is for misc. items we want for around the house. We only do 1 small party between Christmas and New Years for immediate family only, just snacks no actual dinner, no gift exchanges.