Fewer employees will automatically receive cash bonuses this holiday season, according to a recent study by Hewitt Associates. Instead, they will have to earn them. The survey found 59% of employers don't plan to hand out holiday bonuses this year. Of the companies that will, only 13% plan to give cash, down from 37% in 2004. Meanwhile, 78% of companies surveyed now offer a variable pay program with cash bonuses based on performance, up from 51% in 1991.

WHAT TO DO: Read this CareerJournal article about acing your annual performance review and take this quiz to see how you'd fare in a self-appraisal. Read about how to improve your performance even if you feel like you're stuck in a rut at your job. Learn how your outside pursuits might help improve your job performance. Use this tool to see how your salary ranks compared to others in your profession. If you're not getting a bonus, here are some tips from SmartMoney.com to help you keep holiday spending in check and a worksheet to track your holiday budget.

To Give Or Not to Give?