If you’re like me then you’re probably dealing with the dreaded post-Christmas hangover. Figuratively speaking, if talking about the rush of writing cards, wrapping presents and visiting with family.

(Literally, if you’re talking about copious amounts of mulled wine and eggnog.)

But now’s not the time to sit back and relax. Now is the time to hit the stores.

Beware, you can easily get into trouble if you run out to post Christmas sales just to take advantage of the many markdowns that retailers offer to clear out inventory and maximize their profits for the calendar year. Remember that even if something is 50% off, if you really don’t need it, you’ve paid 100% too much. However, there are a lot of items that are worth braving the malls for, namely all of the things you’ll need for next Christmas.

As you’re putting the holidays away, take inventory of what you’ve got and what you’re missing if you needed to put on Christmas again. Then head out and take advantage of the best prices of the year on the following items:

• Christmas cards
• Wrapping paper
• Artificial trees
• Bulbs, lights and decorations

Other after-Christmas shopping lists include items like winter coats and clothes and perfume, but I don’t see those things are smart buys if you’re trying to start the new year off on a frugal foot. By late December you should already be well equipped with your winter wardrobe, and perfume is always a luxury. And luxuries don’t belong on the shopping list of anyone looking to cut spending and pay off debt.

Even though it may be the last thing that you want to do, now can be a great time to buy more presents. I hadn’t thought of it, but buying gifts now for the various birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions that you have coming up is a great idea. Head out with a list and budget for each item and you can save both money and time by getting presents for friends and family now and stashing them until the proper time. Better yet, you can use all that low cost wrapping paper and bows, too. Just avoid the holiday-themed stuff. Single-color paper is great for any gift.

To get the very best deals, you’ll have to play the waiting game with merchants. You’ll get the best selection today, but markdowns will continually improve until the seasonal displays go away. And don’t forget online stores, they’ll be offering deals as well.

So best of luck in making next Christmas as cheap and painless as possible.

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