Minimizing Greed at the Holidays Without Being a Grinch

When toy season arrives kids go wild. Even the most mild-mannered and polite child come down with a serious case of the "I wants." Luckily, it's curable. Parents can remedy the situation or at least quell toy fever with some easy-to-implement solutions. It can be hard to say "no," it's too expensive," "not this year," to kids, especially when they still believe in Santa Claus. So instead, minimize exposure to abundant commercialism, emphasize quality and tap into your child's generous nature.

Minimizing Greed at the Holidays Without Being a Grinch

1. Minimize commercial television watching between Thanksgiving and Christmas - This can be a challenge when you have multiple children or a spouse (read: husband) who think they always need the TV on. Try to choose shows on educational TV and when you watch shows together, click the mute button when the commercials come on, it makes a big difference.
* Watch holiday movies on DVDs you own or borrow from the library.
* Or tape holiday specials and watch them together on another day, fast-forwarding through the commercials.

2. Browse catalogs or websites together and make a limited list - Older kids understand the difference between a wish list and a real gift list, but younger kids don't. They think if it's on the list then Santa will get it for them. Keep your child's expectations real by making a shorter list of gifts you think are manageable. Keep in mind you can offer a couple of suggestions to relatives who ask for gift ideas.

3. Emphasize Quality Over Quantity - Some parents always buy kids of different ages the exact same number of gifts or spend the exact same amount of money on the kids. A tween might want a new smart phone but the teenager needs a new laptop for Christmas. A toddler will be content with building blocks or small musical toys. The first grader needs a couple sets of Legos. Buy the best gift that's age appropriate for this year for each child. When you try to be fair you sometimes sacrifice quality.

4. Teach Charity - In the weeks before Christmas instruct each family member to make a collection of toys, books or games that can be donated.

* If the toy box is full and you have limited space for new toys advise the children that for each new toy coming in the house a toy that has gone unused needs to get donated. This can help address the endless stream of "I wants" when they realize there is only so much room in the house and and nobody can keep adding toys with letting go of some others.

* Another option when shopping with children, because, let's face it, it happens, is to let the child pick out one toy that can be donated to a charity program which requests new toys. Give the child a budget and help them choose a toy.

With diligence and gentle reminders, you can minimize those "I wants" during the holiday season.