Cash strapped for the holidays

CHICOPEE, MASS. (WWLP) - With Thanksgiving only about two weeks away, consumers across Western Massachusetts have started thinking about their holiday shopping lists.

But, this year, both Santa Claus, and local moms and dads are cash strapped, a fact that has many people tightening their belts when it comes to holiday shopping.

Some have cut out gifts all together, others have limited their lists to a select few or decided to bake a thoughtful yet delicious batch of cookies.

Long story short, many local families have looked at their budgets, and decided to get creative in order to keep holiday costs down.

"We decided that we would just give to one individual, and we just kinda picked a name." Lynnette Scott of Greenfield said.

Meanwhile, Cameron Carey of Hadley and his wife have a different plan.

"We decided we're going to make homemade gifts this year, and yeah, I'm sure they'll be happy with it."

Keep in mind, if you get paid bi-weekly, there are only about 3 or 4 paychecks between now and Christmas, a fact that's troubling some procrastinating parents trying to figure out how to pay for it all in such a short amount of time.

"I'm just kinda spreading it out, and, i am worried. It's just harder this year than most other years, with the economy the way, so it is frustrating." Tina Deshaies of Easthampton said.

So what does all this cost-cutting mean for retail profits this holiday shopping season? We should have a clearer answer to that question on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.