Many retailers are expecting a mild Christmas this year, with spending down and the economy in a slump. But they don't call it the "season of giving" for nothing and some people are determined to keep up with the Christmas spirit.

This year, instead of spending a lot of money, many people are spending a lot of time making gifts.

At Joann Fabrics, the parking lot was full Monday afternoon, and lines were outrageous. Store managers there and at other craft and fabric stores throughout the area say business always goes up around the holidays, but this year that seems to be even more true.

While some businesses are struggling, the craft business is reaping the benefits. At Mill End Fabrics, the lines have never been longer.

"It's probably for the better. People come in and say 'Oh I saw this dress and it was so expensive and I want to do it myself," said Marguerite Edelnant, who works at Mill End.

The motto is if you can't afford it, then make it. Those who are already letting their creative juices flow say, the money you'll save when you make, rather than buy your gifts, is unsurpassable.

"I spent about $20. I'll probably get 20 gifts out of this," said Judy Phillipson-Walsh of Sparks.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a gift for a buck anywhere else, although if you factor in the labor, the price does go up a little.

"Well the time you spent, if you really want to put a dollar amount on it. Your time is valuable," added Walsh.

This year, quilts, blankets and other beginner projects seem to be the most popular although if you use your imagination, you can make just about anything.

"For my brand-new niece, I am making a little Christmas dress out of red taffeta, so she'll look like a princess, a little Christmas princess," said Candy Simpson of Eugene, Oregon.

Added Kristin Lewis of Reno, "It's a way to give a gift relatively inexpensively, that you hope is special."

If you're going to make your gifts this year, Mill End employees say to make sure you do something you think you'll enjoy...and that someone else will appreciate...otherwise, you might as well just buy it.

"Quite frankly, you could just go to Walmart and buy a mass-produced item for sale price or cheaper, but the truth is, we sew for individuality, not for economy truly," said Edelnant.

Other craft stores like Ben Franklin, say business is starting to pick up. They say knitting materials to make scarves and hats are big sellers, plus materials to make Christmas decorations. They say the state of the economy has actually been good for their business.

If you're interested in making Christmas gifts this year, you can start by following these links:

www.joann.com
www.michaels.com
www.benfranklinstores.com