Frugal Moms

May be Santa will be coming, but he may have a lighter load for your family this year.  In my family the load will be a lot lighter.  How does a parent deal with a Frugal Christmas/Yule?  Some parents are so desperate for something they will give anything, and if you ARE one of those parents… I have a couple ideas for you.  However, if your not and your worried about Jr. being disappointed when Santa gives only one or two practical presents this year.  It’s a common problem.  Depending on the age of Jr. an explanation might be in order.

In reality, all parents worry about their kids and what we give?  Will they like it? Will it be enough?  In my house we have gift giving rules.  Most presents will be hand made and we will only guarentee ONE present for each child.  That’s it.  Generally speaking that one present will contain one small toy, one article (or outfit) of clothing, and one book or other art item.  There is sometimes home made cookies, candies, and what not…but not always.

Having rules like this stems the “awe…” effect or the temper tamtrums when Suzie didn’t get the Wii she wanted.  Although we have this rule, as a whole my children usually make out okay.  They have uncles, aunts, and distant family which send a gift a piece as well.  This may not happen this year, but none the less, one gift is better than no gift.

I admit my kids can be disappointed, but not always.  I am only disappointed when I can’t get them the things they NEED, like new boots for the winter.  This doesn’t happen often, but the one time it has, the cousin’s closets were a thankful offer.   We use a very important hand me down system.  This is exactly why getting a new outfit for Christmas/Yule is so great for the kids.  They get to wear something FIRST.  No second hands, no hand me down, no…it’s new.  Sometimes tailor made by mom just for them complete with their favorite color, bows, flowers, or puppies on it.  True, they will have to “pass it on” after they grow out of it but, they try to make it last by adding lace, fixing buttons, or cutting off feetsies on sleepers…just to hold onto that treasured gift.

Tomorrow I will tell you how to get a gift for your child, if you have nothing you can buy for them.