When Santa Met Recession

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Christy Buchanan, Professor of Psychology, Wake Forest University said that problem is that parents often express their love through gifts. Children do not need as many gifts as they want love from parents.

In the long run, children will remember the the quality time spend with their parents
Buchanan has offered some tips on how to enjoy the Christmas season amidst cost cutting.

• Don't be overly apologetic for what children are not getting. Although it's okay to acknowledge a child's desires and disappointments, parents are encouraged to focus on those things for which the child and family can be grateful to.

• Parents should try to be upbeat and positive. If they are, children are more likely to be positive. Think about what the family can do together that is fun and memorable and treat it like a gift.

• Instead of going shopping, design time around what your kids enjoy and make that special. Make plans to bake cookies and drink hot chocolate, play a favourite board game, or shoot hoops at the park.

• Try to minimize exposure to commercials and marketing. The more children see, the more things they want. This is likely to disappoint them.

• For younger children who expect Santa to bring lots of presents, small, inexpensive gifts like a ball or a game can be the basis for fun. Shift the focus to a fun activities.

• For teenagers, things often become more important. But, teens are also old enough to understand their parents' financial crisis.

•Parents should not make promises they cannot keep. They should be honest with children about what they can do and what they can't afford.