OK, with the economic crisis going on Chris and I are trying to be careful due to you don't know where your future is going right now when it comes to your job. Well we had a family home evening on finances and to help the kids understand what is going on. So I told the kids to only put 3 things on their Xmas lists. Well all Tevin wants is an Electric Guitar package that is around 179 at Costco. Harrison wants a Bass Guitar package that is around 199. Chandler bless his heart only asked for some controllers for the PS2 that come to be around 100 for all of it. Then they all have shoes on their list. We are not sure what to do with the 2 boys that asked for the guitars. Any advice???
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9 years ago
3 comments:
Krissy- I hear ya in this predicament. It's SO hard to balance a Christmas budget between all the kids when they all want some big expensive things. And then they think that "Santa" can afford anything! Ty wants Guitar Hero World Tour and a Nintendo DS and Samantha wants an I-Pod and new camera. It's so overwhelming! And then you feel guilty if you only can get them one gift because it was so expensive. I know it's frustrating and I hate to think of Christmas going on a credit card again. It's like everybody's birthdays all at once- SO expensive and overwhelming! :( And that's not even what Christmas should be all about, right? And it's hard to explain the tough economy to kids- they really have no clue and don't care until they start paying their own bills.
Maybe since the boys are older, you could explain to them that each child has a Christmas present money limit- say $100 each. If they want a more expensive present like those guitars, then they can have that much money towards it, and they can save their own money for the rest of it. They have to understand that $100 is a LOT of money- especially with more than one child, and it's just not possible to get everything they want each year. I know in past years we've gone way overboard (like Rock Band last year for Ty) and within a month or so, the toys are easily forgotten and neglected. The only thing he's really used every day is his Wii for his birthday. So, anyway, since the boys are old enough to understand (of course, not Sloanie or Holden), I would just say that "X" amount of money is their limit and they can choose to have the money towards the big gift they want with them earning the rest, or they can choose to have their parents choose smaller gifts within that "X" limit.
That's just an idea for you. I think the boys WILL understand. They are good kids- I've always been impressed with them. They will have a wonderful Christmas just the same. Or maybe they will just have to share one of the guitar gifts.
I have this same problem with Ty and Sam. They see everything at the stores and get so greedy on their Christmas lists, with no idea that Christmas is money that has to be spent on TOP of the monthly bills and mortgage- and not on a credit card that charges interest for years... With my past impulsive shopping habits (credit cards were my biggest weakness- especially when I was buying something to make my kids happy), I know I'm not the best to give advice on this. :) But I do, as a mommy of four, understand that kids set their hearts on expensive things for Christmas and don't see the big picture in the family financial aspect. It's hard because I have spent a lot more in years past than I am going to be able to this year, so I hope the kids don't notice!
Don't worry- you guys are WONDERFUL parents of an amazing family and no matter what, I know you will make it a fun and happy Christmas for your family!
Sorry to not get back to you until now, but I'm not sure I have a good answer for you. I like to splurge for my kids as much as anyone, but I don't like to spend more than I have. In the past, we've used some of our tax return to pay off Christmas, but I'm not wild about that idea anymore. Lynn seems to have some good ideas. I like the idea of them paying for some of it, as they will probably appreciate it more and take care of it better.
I remember always getting one "big-ticket" gift at Christmas. The other items were nice too, but we did get one fairly expensive item each. Of course, things seem to be a bit more expensive now. All I know is that each month when I'm paying off the credit card bill, there are a TON of e-bay and Amazon purchases on there from Kellie. Anyone know how to rein her in?? :-)
Good grief, I've only been buying things for Christmas for the last two months, and I'm all done now. Who bought a cruise last year, hmmm?
Krissy, I think Lynn has a great idea with setting money limits. I don't always do that, but I have each of the girls receive a gift from Santa and two from us, plus one from each of their sisters. None of them usually beg for really expensive things, probably because we've drilled it into their heads that we can't afford things like that! Hope everything works out.
Kellie
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