It takes more than a recession to keep Melody Henrie from buying Christmas ornaments, home décor and gifts.

The longtime Chicago resident and legal secretary, aged 53, typically scouts Christmas presents and other accessories year-round, seizing unique, small gifts that she thinks will delight party-giving friends ("ornaments are great hostess gifts") and scouting department and specialty stores each autumn to zero in on items she hopes to snatch on sale.

When the discount signs go up, Henrie moves in. In Christmas 2008, she bought a dozen Pfaltzgraff Holly Berry glasses half price (at about US$3 each) and has already gathered some fresh linen for the Holiday.........