Carolers around the country have been warning you to be nice, but chances are Santa may still leave you a whole lotta nothing in your stocking. It's not your fault; Santa is broke too this year. There's no need to skip the holiday spirit though. You can save Christmas with the help of a couple of bums from bum-ville. Forget the expensive (and unaffordable presents), call up the troops and trim a tree!

Our friend, Lillian, told us about a wonderful tradition invented by her friends one very budgeted year. No one could swing a mountain of presents, but everyone wanted that excited air of holiday festivity. And so, they came up with a tree trimming party. Here's your quick guide:

Step One is acquiring a tree. If the host (i.e. the person with the biggest living room) can't afford one, take up a collection. With just a few dollars pitched in by everyone, you'll probably be able to afford one of the best trees on the lot.

Step Two is making sure everyone invited knows to bring a decoration and a snack. People can choose an ornament from their own collection or bring a new one. Try to get a reasonable distribution of salty/sweet and beverages and cutlery. But, if something is forgotten, no biggie. No one is there to be critical. Tip: This bring-along can be a combo snack-decoration if you're brilliant enough to call the popcorn strings.

If you're feeling extra handy, bring an ornament project for everyone to do. Think paper mache or glitter covered paper chains. You don't need to learn how to blow glass to make some beautiful, and extra-special, decorations.

As a wise woman once taught me: Don't make them too small or they will get lost in the branches. Don't make them too heavy or they will weigh own the branches. You have to make them just right.

Step Three is putting on some great holiday music and swigging down some eggnog. With everyone together and less stressed about budget, there is time and mental room for some serious holiday cheer.

We hope you're enjoying the love.