How to Play Santa on a Budget
All children look forward to Christmas with expectations of their favourite toys or games from Santa. But though Santa gets the credit each time when they get exactly what they wished for, the parents are left scrapping their pennies to get through till the next pay day. Globally, things are not looking good financially and at a time when recession is at the back of everyone’s minds, it is important not to go overboard with your gifts this year and put Santa on a budget.
Firstly, let the children know the truth about your financial situation. There is no need to scare them needlessly, but there is no point in pretending that everything is all right if things are already getting too tight. Older children are much more perceptive than you give them credit for and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that they will support you in this initiative to set right your finances. If there is something that they absolutely must have or need urgently, they might be ready to share a part of the cost with you by dipping into their pocket money or by taking up a part-time job. This would also make them feel more grown-up and understand the value of money early on.
With much younger children who still believe that it is Santa who brings them their gifts and not you, things might be a little harder. You don’t want to spoil their belief in the magic of the jolly good fellow who leaves them gifts under the Christmas tree each year, but you don’t want to disappoint them too by not giving them what they wish for. One way to do this would be by telling them that this year Santa has decided to gift them something out of their own wish list, for which, Santa has fixed a budget. They get to list down their preferences as well as learn the art of budgeting. Or still better would be for you to make a list of affordable items within your limits from which they can choose their gifts and of course, you would let Santa know about their preferences! You can even tell them that Santa has given you the gift list this year to share with them.
This year, you can even decide to move beyond material gifts. You can promise your children day-picnics every alternate month to a nearby lake, a swimming or a dance class which they wanted to join, or something which they have been wanting to do for a long time which is not going to burn a hole in your pocket, but you have been putting off for long simply due to a lack of time. Redeemable coupons for a night-out at a friend's, to stay up past bedtime or to watch one more hour of television on weekends, which they can use every week and you have to agree to might be another option to which your children will readily agree to. There are manyDo-it- yourself gift ideasout there. You can get your children involved in such activities and let them make gifts for each other as well as for friends. Such handmade gifts will make wonderful memorabilia as the years go by. You can also encourage them to gift something to a charitable home or orphanage to make them understand that is important to give gifts as well as receive them.
Finally, make use of coupons and holiday sales to get the gifts that you have to this year. Do not be tempted to use your credit card as it is only going to hurt you later on when the bills come.Do not shy away from second-hand or resale stores. You may end up getting a good bargain, but carefully check the item before making any payment. Clothes and books are usually cheaply prices at such stores. You can also recycle the items from such stores to make wonderful handmade gifts. If you are great at cooking, bake some lovely treats for your neighbours at no great cost. When you pack them, add a note with the ingredients and recipe to make it more special. Or knit a few sweaters, booties or mittens for your friends' little ones. These options are not expensive, but only require your time and effort. They will appreciate your handmade gifts more than mass-produced stuff you can buy from stores. Pretty, decorative tins can make great holders for candies and other trivia. Scented soaps, candles, placemats, towels are other items you can buy really cheap and can make good good gifts for your friends and dear ones.
Wrap up each gift beautifully with a personal note or letter with each to remind the recipient how valuable they are to you. And do not worry too much about not meeting your children’s expectations. Celebrate Christmas with the true spirit with your family without making it materialistic. It is the togetherness and your love that your children will treasure most as they remember their childhood with fond memories.
