The challenge of playing Santa on a budget
Times are tough these days, in addition to the fact that children’s toys are becoming more high tech, making them more expensive. Gone are the days when Little Tommy wanted roller skates and Janie wanted a dolly, today’s wish lists consist of game systems, smart phones, laptops and iPads, even for smaller children! For these reasons, learning how to play Santa on a budget is tough, but it can be done.
Shopping online is one option, where you can search for the best deals. A site such as eBay is another idea, where you can bid on items that may not be as expensive. Although the items may not be brand new, they are usually great bargains.
Another option is to check out pawn shops for electronics, computers, laptops and other items. Many pawn shops offer everything from jewelry to bicycles, and you may be able to bargain for the best deals.
Yards sales, thrift shops and discount stores are excellent places to find clothing at great prices. Even Goodwill and Salvation Army stores have excellent prices on books, gently-used and name-brand clothing, even toys!
Watch the ads in the paper for sale items, and if there is an item on your kids wish list that warrants going out on Black Friday and standing in line at three in the morning, by all means, plan accordingly! Coupons help tremendously, so watch the paper and sales inserts, check the mail and look online for coupons that will help.
Some children believe that just because they ask “Santa” for something, no matter what they will get it! Therefore, have a little talk with them and let them know that Santa always ask the parents first before he brings anything. Explain to older children that some items cost too much and will have to wait, or be earned.
Have a family meeting and explain that times are hard, and Santa is having a rough time this year and may not be able to bring everything they wish for. Suggest that they choose only one item that they really want.
Buy one big item that can be shared by the family, such as a home computer, a laptop, or a game system, instead of buying each child an expensive item exclusively. Buy each child their own individual games to play.
Christmas should be a time of joy, laughter and togetherness, a family time meant for traditions and to celebrate the season. It is unfortunate that it has become so commercialized that children only recognize it as a time to receive gifts. Now would be a good time to remind them.
