Scanning several news sites this morning, it seems that plenty of people can't control themselves once they start shopping for gifts.

At Time magazine, there's a report about holiday window displays being designed to make you spend more

USA Today offers a story on being vigilant to stop yourself from impulse buys. If you do succumb, at least get all the free shipping being offered for online buys, the Chicago Tribune tells us.

Last time I checked, the country was fighting its way out of a recession. Unemployment was high, people were struggling to meet mortgages and no one seemed to have a wallet stuffed with extra money.

That sounds like a recipe to keep a lid on how much you spend. But is that difficult for some shoppers, yourself included?

When you start browsing online sites or gazing into the windows at the local mall, do you succumb to the urge to buy? Or do you sigh and walk on?

Admittedly, it's easier for me now with college-age kids than when they were little and infatuated by each new American Girl doll or video game that came along. But