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Tough economic times are creating a hard reality for some families this holiday season.
"Maybe it's not going to be as giftful as it has been in the past."
Rosemary Hines, a University of Minnesota Extension Educator who specializes
in family management, says being open
with your children before Christmas is always the best policy.
"I think you need to have some conversation
about what is realistic that the family can afford.
That maybe there's just going to be a couple gifts and give them a price range."
Heins says that message works for children of all ages.
For example, a family that celebrates Christmas
with younger kids should explain how Santa is also affected by the slow economy
and that he might not be able to bring as many gifts.
For older children, Heins says involving them in the holiday budget, is a good plan.
"You might have to be very honest with them and say, OK I don't think that this is possible,
but let's figure out how maybe we could make some adjustments here.
Either something else that's less expensive or,
can you help pay for this item that you really want?"
"As far as kids are concerned, Heins says you might be surprised
at how well they can understand economic situations.
In some cases, it's the parents who could use a little lesson in responsible spending."
As for the budget?
Heins says families should spend no more than one-and-a-half percent of their annual income
on the holidays; and that includes travel and food expenses.
But even if money is not an issue,
some researchers say a better holiday season can be had, if the focus isn't on the gifts.
"Most people value their relationships, their inner harmony between their actions
and their behavior, far more than their material things,
but you don't see that advertised very much."
U of M researcher Bill Doherty says people can easily get caught up in the competitive,
gift-buying aspect of the holidays, even though that's not what makes them the most happy.
And Heins agrees ...saying the number of presents a person receives,
is not what a person remembers about the holidays.
"It was the family traditions, it was being together as a family, having fun as a family.
And many of these items are no-cost items."
For the University of Minnesota, I'm Justin Ware.