You're more than ready for the festive feelings, celebrations, and joy of the winter holidays, but is your budget? By the time you factor in travel expenses, gifts for your nearest and dearest, meals, and all those special events, you may find costs have snowballed quicker than you expected. If you take a few practical steps now, though, before the holidays are in full swing, you can stay financially balanced throughout the season so you can step into the new year with confidence.