Sleigh bells won't be the only things jingling this December - pocket change will too. Hands scrambling in empty pockets and the swishing sounds of swiping plastic credit cards will add to the symphony of this year's holiday shopping season.

However, with this year's economic trouble, many shoppers are cutting back. Nielson, a company that provides research for the broadcast industry, performed a survey in 21,000 American households and found that more than 35 percent of people plan to spend less on holiday shopping this year than they did last. Six percent say they will spend more and about 50 percent say they will spend about the same.

Surveys conducted by the National Retail Federation, one of the world's largest retail trade associations whose members include a variety of retailers as well as chain restaurants, have found that what consumers will buy this holiday season will depend largely on sales and discount prices. According to the federation's Web site, 70 percent of shoppers said they would do some of their shopping at discount stores to save money.

Some people face this annual crunch. Everyone is looking to save money. Here is a list of some ways for everyone to spend a little less and give a little more.

1. Create a Secret Santa. By getting a group together, shoppers can focus on quality not quantity.

"One of the ways I save money over the holidays is to try to convince my group of friends to do a Secret Santa exchange," said sophomore Loren Diaz. "That way, instead of spending about $5 to $10 on each present for all of the friends we have, we end up saving that money and buying one big present."

Instead of buying individual gifts, some shoppers opt for something that everyone can enjoy, whether it's a game or a special treat that can be shared by all. If senior Rachel McCallum is short on money, she buys a one pound box of chocolates that can be enjoyed by her entire family, she said.

"Everyone knows I'm a poor college student, so it's not like they expect much from me anyway," said McCallum.

2. Make a list and check it twice. There's a fine line between being generous and being a smart shopper. Make a list of whom you're going to shop for. That way, you have a direction when you hit the mall.

The National Retail Federation suggests making a list of absolutely everyone you need to buy for and how much you plan to spend on them before visiting any store or Web site, and stick to it.

"If there are a lot of people you have on your mind to shop, it would be ideal to make a list," said sophomore Jenna Nakasu. "Then you can see whom to shop for and also write down what you have in mind to give them."

3. Set an appropriate budget. In order to keep from being buried under debt, one of the top ways to save money is to set an appropriate budget. This way, spending is kept under control.

With five members in her family, sophomore Elizabeth Sproule's family decided to celebrate Christmas in a new way last year.

"We each make a list of things we want and none of our gift ideas can be more than $100. Then we all talk about what we want and each person will pick something and spend $100," said Sproule. "So in the end we each spend $25 on each direct family member."

4. Include yourself in your budget. It always happens. Why feel guilty for taking advantage of the sales. It is the season of giving; why not give a little to yourself?

The National Retail Federation acknowledges that while the holiday season is dedicated to thinking about others and buying gifts for other people, it is OK to take full advantage of the holiday promotions to treat yourself.

Diaz agrees.

"I buy myself the best Christmas present, which can be pricey sometimes but well worth it," she said. "I like to spoil myself."

5. Look for sales. Costco, Target and discount stores can be your best friend. Do the research and save some money.

The National Retail Federation suggests using the internet to compare prices and products before heading out to the malls. This will save time and money because you won't have to drive all over town, according to the group.

Sophomore Noelle Hum says she uses the ads that come in the Sunday edition of the Los Angeles Times for the same reason.

"You'll find the sale prices and steals instead of having to drive to every store to find them," she said.

Many shoppers go to wholesale stores like Costco or one-stop shopping locations, like Target, to save money.

"Target is probably the best place to go for holiday shopping," said Diaz. "They usually have everything at low prices and it's easy to grab things that fit everyone's personality at an affordable price."

Hum suggests looking for jewelry at discount and wholesale stores.

"I usually skip retail stores because the prices are so high. Instead, my dad and I have found really pretty pieces [of jewelry] from Costco or Sam's Club," she said. "Or if you have the time, take a trip to the jewelry mart in downtown L.A. You have to shop around, but prices are a lot less than retail stores."

Some shoppers go to marketplaces and swap meets in order to find good deals.

Sophomore Caitlin Mohney goes to a market place at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles held on Sundays. She says she finds a lot of inexpensive items there including an assortment of clothing from vintage to contemporary styles and furniture.

The National Retail Federation warns shoppers when bargain shopping. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Make your own gifts. Just because a gift doesn't come out of a department store doesn't mean it isn't valuable. Time and thought are worth more than any dollar amount.

More and more people are looking into making gifts from the heart rather than buying gifts at retail stores.

"I'm starting to look into crafting things because it is more personal than going to a store to buy something," said sophomore Natasha Shahani.

Nakasu says making gifts for her friends depends on how much time she has. Previous gifts she has made include editing pictures on Adobe Photoshop and putting them in inexpensive frames and making personal CDs.

"It's cheap and personal. Perfect for the holidays," she said.

Diaz says the idea of making gifts is ideal, but not convenient.

"It's useless if you're always the person on the run and doing last minute holiday shopping," she said.

Hum will most likely be purchasing her gifts this year.

"I'm not a big fan of making my own gifts because they end up looking horrible," she said.

7. Use your perks. Take advantage of the discounts your employers offer you.

Some jobs offer their employees discounts. The National Retail Federation says to take advantage of these price cuts.

McCallum says depending on her job, she uses her perks during the Christmas season.

"I'll take my family to the movies for free while working at Edwards or use my employee discount and buy everyone books while working at B. Dalton bookstore," she said.

8. Calculate extras. Don't forget the little things.

Many shoppers have the mindset of Nakasu that calculating taxes and extra costs like shipping and handling takes too much time. These expenses add up.

It's important to remember necessities like wrapping paper, ribbon and even tape.

"Wrapping paper is always something I buy once in a while," said Diaz. "Luckily, I still have some from last Christmas."

9. Pay off credit cards as soon as possible or pay only in cash. Credit cards can be convenient, but interest and coverage charges can become the shoppers' worst enemy come January.

More recently, shoppers have been paying with debit cards and cash in order to avoid any financial surprises in the new year.

"I use my credit card as little as possible because I hate that huge bill in the end," said Hum. "Plus with cash, you see how much you're spending as you're spending it instead of just swiping."

"I think either way, credit cards and cash are a hassle," said Nakasu. "I would go with cash because I have a limit on my card, and if I go over, it's more money out of my wallet."

10. Remember the meaning of the season. The holidays are a time to cherish loved ones and be thankful for what we have.

"It's important to focus on the truth behind what Christmas is instead of being completely spoiled by gifts," said Sproule.