christmas

You don't have to be a billionaire -- nor a jolly, white-bearded figure out of folklore -- to make the holiday season remarkably sweeter for a stranger. Or a lot of strangers. Over the past few years, ordinary people across the country have been taking up the calling of Larry Stewart, the original Secret Santa.

An APA poll a few years back revealed that 80% of Americans expect to be stressed during the holiday season. One source of that stress? The unexpected costs that creep up on us in December. Here are some tips to sidestep some of those pricey problems.

The holidays are a time to give, but the current economy is really hurting charities. Still, just because money's tight doesn't mean you have to give up on giving: There are several new ways to be generous without opening your wallet -- and some even save you money when you donate.

While the high rollers are hitting the stores and the financially shaky are pinching pennies to pay the bills, many people in between are struggling with another seasonal debate: How to handle holiday tipping this year.

Amazon's holidays are off to a great start, but with its stock trading north of 100 times earnings, AMZN shares could be the one thing you don't want to buy from the online retailer. Instead, consider these companies that are riding on the coattails of the online shopping boom.

Amid all the good cheer, the holiday season hides a sobering number of financial pitfalls -- and not just ones that involve overspending. Here's a look at seven dangers you might not have considered, along with steps you can take to make sure your holidays are more happy than hazardous.

For over a century, the Salvation Army's red kettles have reminded holiday shoppers not to forget charity during the season of giving. But this year, you don't need cash on hand to give, because there's something new in the kettle: a card reader and a mobile donation app.

If you're in the market for a new television, you'd be wise to scoop up one of the sweet deals that will be available for the rest of 2011. TV manufacturers and retailers are desperate to unload inventory, so HDTVs, Internet-connected TVs and 3-D TVs will be going at deeply discounted prices.

Retailers nationwide are expected to hire up to 500,000 seasonal workers this year, but with ongoing high unemployment, expect stiff competition for those jobs at the mall. DailyFinance's Laura Rowley offers tips on who else may be hiring for the holidays, and how to land one of those jobs.

U.S. shoppers piled up the presents under their Christmas trees, but retailers were still a bit disappointed. The Commerce Department's official tally shows what many suspected: Consumers did most of their holiday buying early this year.