It's time to shop, cook and prepare for the holidays. But all that wrapping paper, gluten-free cookie dough and tickets to holiday events can cost a pretty penny. And in this economy, we are pinching them tight.

So, I'm getting crafty and thinking outside brightly colored boxes this season. Here are 12 ways to save without losing the holiday spirit:

1. Reuse what you have. Got some jars in the basement? Wash them out and make hot cocoa mix for your neighbors. Mix 3 1/2 cups sugar, 2 1/4 cups cocoa and 1 tablespoon table salt. Divide into jars and wrap a ribbon around each one. Stick a candy cane in it for good measure and write on the tag to add 2 tablespoons chocolate to each cup of hot milk.

2. Freeze some meals. In the rush of things, you may be forced to cook quick. And we all know the cost of prepared gluten-free food, so think ahead. Freeze some butternut squash, an extra sweet potato or leftovers from a meal today and you will be happy next week. Make a pot of soup and freeze single portions. Add a dollop of sour cream if you can have dairy and you have a quick meal or side to your turkey roll up. Here's a good recipe from "The Frugal Foodie" by Alanna Kaufman and Alex Small:

Mixed Mushroom Soup
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 ounces mixed mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk or cream (optional)

In medium saucepan, saute onions in olive oil. Add mushrooms and thyme. Continue to cook until mushrooms soften. Add 1 cup of stock. Cook 5 minutes. Let soup cool slightly, then add soup to blender. Blend until smooth. Add additional stock to blender to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Add cream if desired.

3. Use your skills. Good at drawing? Create a sentimental masterpiece. Got a penchant for photography? Take some photos of memorable locations (stadiums, former high schools, wedding sites) and get them printed and framed. Have a green thumb? Replant some of your best-growing houseplants in cute pots and save yourself a clipping. Think creatively and others will enjoy your skills.

4. Save while cleaning house. Don't buy that expensive bottle of cleaning chemicals. Mix yourself a green and cost-saving alternative. For kitchen counters: Mix 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, 2 drops of dish soap and warm water in large spray bottle. For bathtubs: 1 cup Borax, 1 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons baking soda (fill tub with enough water to coat bottom and soak 1/2 hour then scrub). For wood furniture: Dab damp cloth with a little olive oil and vinegar and wipe clean all your wood.

5. Carpool.

6. Donate your time. You may not have the money to give, but your time may be more precious. Volunteer at a food bank or donate all your food items that may contain gluten. Helping others may humble you and make you thankful for what you do have, and therefore less regretful of the spending binge you may have had in better economic times. Click here for opportunities at Gleaners Food Bank.

7. Stay at home, curl up on the couch. Instead of going out, check out your favorite holiday classic with a loved one. Pop a bowl of gluten-free popcorn and grab your most comfortable pajamas. There's one on television almost every night. Check out a schedule here. Or, pop in a DVD you already have. Way cheaper than going out, and a good way to stay in happy spirits.

8. Take back your bottles.

9. Breakfast for dinner. Is anything cheaper than eggs and pancakes? Even gluten-free varieties can be jazzed up with some of the canned pumpkin you bought on sale during Thanksgiving and a little cinnamon. Add some sliced banana and you have yourself a pretty tasty meal.

10. Stay ahead of your bills. Don't let the rush of the season keep you from keeping up. If you fall behind, that can be a big chunk of change and aggravation as you're paying your holiday bills next month and stocking up on some much-needed post-holiday groceries.

11. Virtual cookie exchange. A gluten-free support group/dinner cooking club in Clarkston started one a week ago, and I thought it was a great idea. It's a great way to exchange recipes without the cost of baking tons of cookies and hosting a party.

12. Stay healthy. You don't want to make a trip to the doctor now. Stay vigilant in keeping gluten from your diet, drink lots of water, exercise when possible and get lots of rest so you can enjoy the holidays and save some money you would be spending at the doctor's office, away from work or on cold medicine.

Breathe. The holidays are supposed to be about our religion, family and traditions. Somehow, as Charlie Brown says, "everyone has gone commercial. Even my own dog." Let's toss that notion out with our Wonderbread.