It's August and many Americans are still trying to break free from last Christmas' credit card debt. There's nothing like an encounter with Christmas past-due to throw a wet blanket over your summer vacation.

While most people who pay with credit say they'll pay off their holiday credit card bills in two or three months, it actually takes them six.

But what about those who added holiday bills to their already huge, revolving balances? Their holiday hangover will last for ten years or longer while they pay interest every month on all of those impulse purchases, last-minute mall runs and overindulged online-buying sprees.

Something's just not right when the Visa bill lasts longer than the gifts. Even Scrooge only had to put up with his nightmare for one night.

Now is the time to plan

The problem for most of us comes down to a combination of not planning and not thinking about the financial impact of holiday spending. It's easier not to. It's just too overwhelming. Besides who can get into a holiday mood in the heat of summer?

Have you ever thought that the very reason you don't want to think about Christmas now is the best reason you should? While you are not remotely involved emotionally is the time you can think the most rationally. You're not dealing with holiday sights and sounds that render you defenseless. That makes now the best time to get a grip on this year's holiday spending.

A big part of the problem is that the December holidays aren't just about gifts. There are decorations, holiday clothes, parties and trips, special concerts and plays, postage for all those cards and parcels and, of course, all that food.

The obvious solution is not to spend a lot of money. These lazy crazy days of summer are the perfect time to think about alternative ways to make the holidays happy.

Add up last year

So how much did you spend on last year's holiday? You don't need an exact figure, ballpark will do. Was it $300 or $3,000? Get real, don't fudge. You need to have a starting point from which you can pare down and save up.

Saving for the holidays early in the year is the most painless way to prepare. Having a spot for Christmas in your Freedom Account is ideal, along with a strong commitment to not charge, no matter what. Now is the time to make that kind of commitment while the beach is far more appealing than thoughts of jingle bells and mistletoe.

Shop early

One way to trim holiday expenses is to start that gift-shopping early and to make use of sales and specials throughout the year. Perhaps you can buy one or two gifts a month starting now. Just make sure you keep track of what you've purchased, for whom and where you have stashed it.