Fewer presents for kids may be the best gift of all
Lots of families have tighter budgets this year. For many, that means fewer gifts under the Christmas tree.
Instead of feeling guilty or worried about not being able to buy your children the toys and other stuff on their wish list, experts say use this experience as an opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of time and being together instead of getting lots of toys and gifts.
Be honest about your budget, advised some parenting experts. At the same, keep the holidays special by finding free or inexpensive activities such as baking cookies and making homemade gifts and emphasizing the need to spend time together as a family.
“‘Cutting back’ this year actually may just be a blessing in disguise, a way to help your kids understand the true meaning of Christmas and bring back the real magic of the holidays," Michele Borba, author of "The Big Book of Parenting Solutions" told North Carolina's Gaston Gazette in a recent article about scaling back for the holidays.
Borba offered the following advice:
- Set a budget.
- Share new expectations. Explain to kids that everyone will receive fewer presents.
- Reframe Santa. Don’t build false hope that Santa is guaranteed to bring everything your child desires.
- Cut out the extra little purchases – gift cards, ribbon, wrapping paper, greeting cards, table decorations, etc.
- Make the holidays for the kids. Instead of shopping for friends and relatives, forgo the gift exchange and put that money towards the kid gifts.
- Check out thrift stores.
- Stress time together. Suggest family members give the gift of time to your kids instead of purchased gifts.
- Suggest handmade instead of store bought.
- Make kids prioritize.
In this tight economy, what else can families do to spend less money but keep the holiday spirit alive?