How to avoid debt with Christmas and holiday spending

Q: We feel like Christmas always catches us by surprise. My husband and I have had an expensive year and just can’t seem to get a break to get back on track with our finances. We had been saving for the down payment on a home of our own, but that savings went to emergency car repairs, a dentist bill for our son, and to help cover time off work with a sick daughter. Our credit cards are nearly maxed and we can’t remember the last time our overdraft wasn’t at the limit. Christmas