‘Tis the season for gifts — and debt.
 
Many consumers, particularly those with lower incomes, are looking to spend less than they have in the past, a recent Gallup survey found. While some retailers have projected record holiday sales, other outlooks are less rosy.
 
If money is tight right now, you may feel especially stretched by the thought of holiday shopping.
 
While conversations around money can feel awkward, it is important to talk to family and friends about what you can reasonably do this holiday season. PBS News' Cecilia Lallmann spoke with etiquette experts about how to navigate different gift-giving situations this year. We have a list of scenarios you might encounter, such as setting expectations with loved ones and getting creative with your gifts.

Another scenario: What if I receive a gift from someone and don't return the favor?
 
“I wish I could wave a magic etiquette wand over the whole country and say, ‘Don’t feel awkward about this!’” said Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute.
 
You don’t want your awkwardness to take away from the moment, Post said.
 
“It’s really important to instead focus on the gift the person gave to you and how grateful you are for it, how surprised you are for it, or by it,” she said.
 
Remember: “Gift-giving is not inherently a reciprocal event,” she added. The person who gave you that gift likely “had no intention of making you feel bad.”
 
So before you start apologizing for your lack of gift or consider telling a white lie about how you left their gift at home or it’s still shipping, Post said to instead “use it as inspiration to get them something later in the season.”

This newsletter was compiled by Joshua Barajas.