Let's face it, we live in a society of over-indulgence. Most kids get more gifts than they could possibly enjoy and are entrusted with expensive, time-consuming gadgets at earlier ages each year. Whether you have one child or a dozen, your family will have to set some limitations to avoid spending too much. Consider the following suggestions:
- Set a limit for each child. Depending on the ages of your offspring, you may have the same number for each or very different numbers. (A newborn really doesn't have the same needs as a teenager, does he?)
- Limit the number of gifts you give each child. Jesus received three presents. Consider explaining this to your children and sticking with this number. I had never heard of this until my kids were older. We have a small budget for each child, but each receives more than three presents.
- Allow each child to compose a “Wish List”, then select a single item to ask Santa for. As relatives ask for suggestions, refer to the list the child has composed. Reserve the most wanted item for Christmas morning.
- Visit Santa early to “lock-in” gift idea. When my kids were little we often went to sit on Santa's lap the day before Thanksgiving. We avoided the crowd and if someone wanted to change her request, well I'd just remind her she already gave Santa her request. (This gave me lots of time to shop for the best price.)
- Purchase other items child would love by shopping sales, clearance shelves and/or yard sales. Gift giving is successful when he recipient enjoys the present given. It has nothing to do with where or when the item was purchased.
- Purchase some practical items. It's OK to give your child needed items, such a pajamas for Christmas.
- Fill stockings for little cash by using the suggestions under post entitled "Stocking Stuffer" on this blog.
