If you want to enjoy more time and worry less about spending too much, check out these ideas to help you do both. Rhonda Day with Living on the Cheap explains it doesn’t take a lot of money to make the holidays enjoyable — just some creativity and fun!

1. Set a budget. Most people don’t like the “budget” word — but if you decide how much you can spend, you are more likely to spend less.

2. Make a list. Make a list of people you want to remember during the holidays and use the list to help plan how to spend. Instead of deciding on the gift first, decide on the dollar amount you want to spend, then find a gift that fits the bill.

3. Set a limit. Many friends and families enjoy white elephant or secret Santa gift-giving. Set a limit on how much you will spend — as little as $5 works. Have a gift exchange and enjoy the fun.

4. Give meaning. When it comes to gifts, nothing is better than receiving a meaningful gift. Don’t spend a lot on things that will bring joy for a few minutes. Think about what means the most to the person. You may find that gifts that cost less are often most meaningful.

5. Decorate with flair. No one says you have to get caught up in the over-priced decorations of the holidays. Instead, look around your yard. You’ll find tree branches, holly, acorns, leaves and lots of other items. A bag of cranberries and popcorn create an old fashioned holiday trim. Or pour a bag of cranberries in a clear vase and tie it with a green ribbon.

6. Informal dinners. Elegant, sit-down dinners might be fun — but they can be expensive and stressful. Instead of spending hours cooking, decorating and over-spending, opt for simple dinners with finger foods and fun hors d’oeuvres.

7. Give time. Giving your time is the greatest gift of all and it’s essentially free. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, library, hospital, nursing home or anywhere else you can be of help. Just one volunteer visit can brighten the holidays for dozens of people.

8. Collect food. Spend time collecting food for a food bank and deliver it. Better yet, ask friends to give you canned and nonperishable food items for your own holiday gift and then donate them to a shelter. Have your own food collection party during the holidays.

9. Wrap your gift in a gift. A homemade loaf of bread wrapped in foil and tied up with a fresh new dishtowel and ribbon is the perfect gift. The wrapping is part of the gift. Be creative and wrap your gift in a gift. Put a fresh new set of sheets in a pillowcase, tie with a large ribbon and bow, and you’re done.

10. Post-holiday shopping. If you’re not visiting out-of-town family or friends until after the holiday passes, consider doing your shopping after the holiday. There may not be as much to choose from, but you’ll get some great deals. Who will know you shopped post-holiday? Another way to save: Reuse gift bags you saved from your own gifts.