Checking a Christmas List During a Recession

How many times will you be checking your Christmas gift list this year? I bet it will be more than twice. Paring down is going to mean taking more into consideration than who was naughty and who was nice. During tough financial times it becomes more of an issue of who is an absolute must and who isn't.

You don't want to disappoint the kids. There are folks who always give you a gift and expect to get one back and those business connections expect a basket of something. But you just can't afford it this year.

It's time to review the Christmas list and sharpen the pencil. Tough times require tough decisions.

Baby's First Christmas - Your baby has no idea what Christmas is. In fact, until you child is at least three they don't have any idea what Santa means. All the excitement about this is created by you because it's so much fun to have a new baby at Christmas time. These are the easiest ones to remove from the list. It will hurt you far more than it will hurt them.

Business Gifts - Your business is not the only one struggling and every business owner is in the same predicament. If you don't want anyone to think that your business is in trouble send recycled cards wishing a Happy Holiday and say your company has decided to 'go green'. You'll save money, protect the environment and look really trendy.

You have a huge family - Most families long ago decided how to handle gifts when there is a large family. Even when there is no recession holiday spending can send you to the poor house. But if this is still an issue you should consider going on Ebay and searching the wholesale section. You may be able to find a group of gifts - like a dozen handbags - for a very reasonable price. They might be one style in different colors or an assortment of styles. The wholesale section of Ebay is a great place to look when you need a lot of items. Many people use it to find things to sell at flea markets. Who knows, you may get turned on and find a new way to earn some money.

Where you really need to focus - here's the test. Does your child really still believe in Santa? Your teens certainly don't. Kids between 3 and 10 are the most likely to believe in Santa and they are the ones you should put on the top of your very short Christmas list. Know your child and give the right gift. Some children will be thrilled with a lot of little things and some will be happy with one big gift. Don't buy the things you want, buy the things they want. Do they really want the latest video game or do you? Start looking for store 'come ons' now. Take advantage of the sales in clothing as seasons change. Most of the toys you buy are played with for a few minutes and tossed anyway. The most fun comes from seeing packages under the tree, the anticipation and the unwrapping. The actual content doesn't have to be fabulous. Wrap small things in big boxes. Keep a smile and a positive attitude in front of your kids. Attitudes are contagious. When you are happy your kids will be too.