Preparing Children for the Holidays During the Economic Downturn

Elena Lea, PhD

More of us are facing a tighter holiday season this year. Providing a festive holiday on a budget doesn't have to send us into despair or debt. Toys are expensive. So are clothes and books. Most parents are happy to go without themselves in order to provide for their kids, but sometimes that's not enough. Here are some ideas to help prepare your family prepare for the holidays.

1. Don't keep your children in the dark.

Consider your children’s age and developmental level and explain to them the family’s economic concerns. Most kids are perceptive and have probably already picked up on the news. While it is a good idea to include the whole family in discussing your concerns, at the same time you should also be sure to discuss the plans that you have to survive the downturn in the economy. You do not want to create fear. That is, be realistic, but reassure your children that your family's basic needs will be covered.

2. Teach your kids what the holidays are about.

If your family is religious, then put the focus on the religious aspects of the holiday. Switch the focus from gift receiving or irresponsible spending to the spirit of giving. Encourage kids to select some of their old or unused toys to donate to a local charity. Volunteer in the community by serving hot meals in soup kitchens or distributing blankets to the homeless. Your children will feel good about giving of themselves. While the excitement of getting a new toy at Christmas wears off after a very short time, the glow that comes from helping others lasts a lifetime. It is also valuable to plant the seeds of giving and sharing in children when they are young and let them see that these activities are an important part of your life also.

3. Teach your children about gratitude.

Talk regularly and encourage your kids to express to you what you all are thankful for in your lives. Be sure to include basic needs, and non-material items, like love, friendships, family support and health.

4. Have your child make out a Christmas wish list.

Automatically mark off what is financially out of reach. If they could only have one thing for Christmas, ask your children what that one thing would be? Ask them to circle the #1 and #2 items on their wish list. If it is within budget try to get each child at least one of their top two requests. You can fill in with less expensive gifts to maximize the Christmas impact. Keep a copy of your child's list with you. This way, if you see an item on sale you can mark it off of the list. This helps keep you from buying randomly just because an item is on clearance.

5. Be Creative

There are so many activities to enjoy as a family which cost us nothing, or very little. Young children love to look at pictures of themselves. Make a special book or photo album for each child and talk about favorite memories. If you still have slides, have them converted, along with old 8 mm films, and spend an evening bringing them out to watch and laugh together. Bake together. Even more than sampling the yummy cookies themselves, children love mixing and stirring. Pretend, assuming there really isn't one, a snow storm or rain storm is raging, plan an evening when everyone stays in and plays table games for the evening or weekend, pop popcorn, make fudge, create s'mores. Camp out in the living room. Go to places that are cost free or very inexpensive, like museums or parks.

6. Get Crafty

Encourage your kids to make holiday gifts for their siblings, family members, and friends. Baking cookies or making fudge or hot chocolate mix not only provides gifts but family “together time”. Younger kids can draw pictures and older kids can write poems or stories. One favorite is always homemade “gift certificates”. These can be for a car wash, walking the dog for a week, making someone’s bed, doing the dishes, taking out the trash. One favorite gift from mom or dad is a special afternoon for each child where they have special time alone with one or both parents.

These are suggestions and there are many more available. Use them to help your kids focus on the spirit of the holiday and the warmth and love of family and friends rather than the commercial aspects of the season.