That’s right, I said 2009.  Even though you are knee deep in garland for Holiday 2008, I’m asking you to focus just a tiny bit on 2009.  Here’s the deal.  Plan on visiting your local Target, Walmart, Home Depot and so on sometime around the week before the actual Holiday.  This is the very best time to pick up sale items for…..next years Holiday. 

Of course, you have to be careful.  You don’t want to spend too much or purchase stuff that isn’t standard Holiday, prelit trees etc.  And you definitely don’t want a bunch of stuff that you will have to walk around for the next ten months because you are cramped for space.  BUT, if you have the space, buy judiciously, and have the extra bucks, you can save a bunch of money now. 

Just make sure you follow the above rules.  Happy Holidays.