"Gifts of your time are so meaningful today because people are so chronically busy."
— Nancy Twigg
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The true meaning of the holidays can sometimes get muddled with all of the shopping. Check out these top 10 tips  — from organizing trips to list management to simplifying your shopping — to maximize the fun and savings.
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1. Give yourself a reason. According to a recent poll, approximately 65 percent of us spend the majority of our free time doing things we don't want to do. For the holidays, take a step back and consider how you really want to spend your time. Make a list of four non-shopping wishes, such as ice skating or a horse-and-carriage ride downtown. Jot these four items onto your calendar as your inspiration to get your work done.
2. Set a budget. You can use the prior year's credit card and bank statements to figure out what you normally spend. Then, set a realistic spending plan — and stick to it. Looking for ways to save? Simplify by setting spending limits on family gifts at $25 or even $10, drawing names for extended family and making your holiday party a potluck.
3. Make lists and get a binder. Start by making a three-column list of all of the people you need to get gifts for by placing names in the first column. Then, in the second column, divide your gift budget among the names. In the third column, list the stores you might need to visit. For food-related items, make a separate list of dishes you'd like to bring to parties, food you'd like to make for gifts, items for entertaining and special recipes for your family's celebration. Create one grocery list to cover all of these events. Get a small binder to help consolidate.
4. Shop early. When you shop early in the season, the selection is better. Shop early in the day to avoid the crowds. Make it fun and save money by rising early to take advantage of "early-bird" hours. Completing your shopping early will give you peace of mind to enjoy the holidays.
5. Shop online. The selection is good and your pajamas are comfy. Why not shop online for as many items as possible? For distant relatives and friends, this step also will save you a trip to the post office.
6. Combine trips. Save gas, money and your sanity. Before you head out, comb the gift lists mentioned above and create lists for each type of store: department, home improvement, specialty (books, sporting goods or electronics) and chain retailer. Follow your lists and resist the urge to throw in extras, as this can add stress and blow budgets.
7. Get creative and give memories. "Gifts of your time are so meaningful today because people are so chronically busy," says Nancy Twigg, author of "Celebrate Simply." "It shows that you care enough to sacrifice one of your most valuable commodities. Unlike store-bought presents, these gifts are not duplicable and will be the source of memories for years to come." Think creatively and be sensitive to the person's needs and likes. Twigg suggests homemade coupons redeemable for babysitting for the young couple who cannot afford a night out; a day of housecleaning for the overworked mom or care for an adult's elderly parent for the day so the caregiver can get out of the house.
8. Simplify and save with green gifts. In her book "365 Ways to Live Green," Diane Gow McDilda suggests green gift ideas such as buying reusable canvas tote bags for friends and family. These can be personalized with images on photo sites. She also suggests homemade gifts such as soap or jewelry or donations to a favorite charity.
9. Wrap in green paper. Save time and resources by using materials on hand or reusable boxes or bags to wrap presents. McDilda suggests using the comics, coloring book pages, maps or scarves. Greeting cards also can be recycled into gift tags.
10. Skip spontaneous shopping. When you are done, relax. Enjoy yourself and your family. Don't give in to the notion of adding on just one more gift. The gift of your time and your unfrazzled demeanor is what your family will appreciate most.
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