“I’m so busy making toys, I don’t have much time for shopping. As for spending, it does not matter how much or little you spend — that the gifts come from the heart is what counts.”

— Santa, North Pole (earthly disguise is Michael Herbert Smith, Greentown, Pa.)

“I’m finished! I can’t stand the holiday crowds, so I’m done. My budget has been shaved down this year, and for most of my friends, it is the same way.”

— Michelle Bond, left, with James and Darlene, Brielle

“Sure have, and we expect to spend the same.”

— Karen Troiano with Juliana, left, James, and Olivia, Lawrenceville

“I have started shopping, but I expect to spend a lot less this year due to high gas prices — it’s going to be a hard year.”

— Barbara Spott, Ewing

“I have not even begun yet but I will probably spend the same.”

— Cindy Potter with David, Hopewell

“We have started shopping and we actually expect to spend more. I have a great extended family and want to take good care of them.”

— Jay Rush, with Madison, Princeton