With only 15 days left until Christmas, and even fewer until Hanukah begins, many people are still scrambling to make ends meet and find great gift deals at the same time. Times were already tough, but then you have your kids, who want Christmas and Hanukah just like every year. So how do we, as parents, make it all happen in the midst of such trying financial times?
To start, it’s a good idea to let kids know the truth: times are tough and money is tight, therefore, don’t expect the usual amount of gifts. What? Let my child only have 7 gifts instead of 15 or 20? Perish the thought! But better the thought than your finances! Kids need to know that they are not immune to economic, political, or cultural woes that may affect them as well. It is important to not let them live in a “bubble” in which they never have to deal with real issues; such as having to cut back in troubling times. By doing this, you actually hurt the child and create a false sense of security for them. After all, you can’t protect them forever! Not to mention, most kids wouldn’t want the gifts if they knew their parents had to go into even more debt to do it.
Children can be surprisingly unselfish if given the opportunity. Don’t underestimate them. And better they learn now, rather then suffer later. Plus, your kids love the holidays as much as you so it does not necessarily have to be centered around gifts only. But for some really great deals for kids this year the stores are offering such deep discounts you can practically get 2 for one on just about everything! But again, be honest with your kids and take some of the pressure off of yourself. After all, half the fun for kids is just unwrapping STUFF. It doesn’t necessarily matter what the heck it is.
Make sure and make a big deal of all the little things this holiday season; you may just be surprised by things you never stopped to notice before. The beautiful lights, the wonderful food, family, and fun parties to dress up for. These are the things that make the holidays really fun and memorable. As for the expensive gifts? The Gorilla can almost guarantee your kids won’t remember the doll or the teddy bear or the X-Box 360. Most likely, the things they will remember the most don’t cost a dime!