(ARA) - Presents, decorations, wrapping paper, greeting cards, meals, travel . . . the typical holiday shopping list could go on and on - and so can the holiday debt. But there are simple ways to reign in holiday spending without sacrificing holiday cheer.

In fact, many Americans are surprisingly optimistic about this year's holiday shopping season, even in the shadow of the worst recession since the Great Depression. In a recent survey by financial services company USAA, nearly half of respondents said that the movie titles, "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Jingle All the Way," best describe their approach to this year's holiday budget.

(ARA) - Family and friends gathered 'round the dinner table, with a sumptuous feast (prepared by you) set before them - does anything say "holidays" more than that? What guests often don't realize are the hours of prep and, perhaps, stress the host endured to achieve this festive celebration. You, however, don't have to be one of those crazed hosts.

With the holidays quickly approaching, you can make a stress-free holiday meal with some handy tips from celebrity chef and expert entertainer Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's Iron Chef America.

(ARA) - Looking for an affordable gift with a personal touch? A spice gift basket can fit any budget and makes an ideal hostess or holiday gift for every cook. They are perfect for a birthday, housewarming or simple thank you, too. With just a little thought and a few supplies, you can assemble a personalized basket. With Internet and mail-order shopping, it's possible to buy everything you need without leaving the house.

Begin with a basket or any other useful kitchen container, such as a mixing bowl, cake pan, serving dish or colander. Vintage items you pick up at a second-hand store or garage sale can be charming. Line the container with a pretty cloth napkin, a colorful dishtowel or even a piece of fabric cut with pinking shears, or use tissue paper if you prefer. Add bottles or packets of spices, herbs, seasonings and other ingredients. For a special touch, include a favorite recipe, a cookbook, a wooden spoon, a potholder, or any related accessory.

(ARA) - The weather is turning colder. Bright lights and decorations abound. Your relatives are dropping hints on what they want to see under the tree. The holidays are quickly coming upon us ... and that means it's time to shop.

Finding gifts for loved ones can be one of the best parts of the holidays, but it also can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful, as choices abound. You may find yourself asking: "Which of the hundreds of digital cameras on the market is sturdy enough for a college student? Which building blocks are safe for a 1-year-old? Where do I find the best deal on the Nintendo Wii?"