We know most of you will be doing some holiday shopping over the next few weeks.  But an internationally respected consumer debt expert tells CBS 6 News:  You don't have to put your family finances "in hock" to have a happy holiday.  She says with this tight economy, it's important for families to be mindful of what they're spending, and to spend wisely.

    Dr. Karen Gross, President of Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT, and well-known lecturer on consumer finances says, "As we enter the holiday season, I think consumers have to be very careful, even more vigilant than usual."

    Dr. Gross has spoken extensively on the psychology of holiday spending.  She says, for many people, their self-worth is wrapped up in the gifts they give.

    "People also start thinking if they can't give, it reflects poorly on themselves.  They don't want to display to friends or family that they're struggling economically."

    Be realistic, Dr. Gross says and don't be stressed out by what you perceive as others' expectations. Consider some different ways of holiday spending.  "Maybe this is a season where, instead of getting, we give to those who are more vulnerable."

    Other families consider a "collective" gift, like a big-screen TV they can all share and enjoy.  By all means, Dr. Gross says, families should talk about their holiday spending goals and absolutely keep the children in the loop.

    "So here's an opportunity to use this as a 'teachable moment' " says Dr. Gross. " Talk about what happens in the economy and its impact on our daily lives and our capacity to give gifts and what sort and what size."

   And be careful about starting up new credit cards from offers in the mail or at the store where you're shopping, looking for discounts.  Dr. Gross says the temporary savings could hurt you later----because the more cards you have, the more your credit score is compromised.  Employers are increasingly looking at that score when hiring.