How to Save on Holiday Gifts

This year, instead of shopping, wrapping and working during the holidays, we are surprising our three kids with a room at a downtown Chicago hotel the week after Christmas! We are going to spend a few days together and give the gift of time! The hotels are discounted because it's slow after Christmas. We bought a block of tickets to see the musical Dirty Dancing with friends and co-workers—tickets are less expensive when you buy a block. Hopefully, I will be saving as much as I think I am. On paper it looks good, and I sure am looking forward to reconnecting with my family!

— Sally of Lombard, Illinois