[mcanvasback]

I don't mean to be intrusive, but, I am curious as to if/how the economy is affecting your choices for your kids (or yourselves) this holiday?

I like to think of myself as a 'less is more' Mom by nature but I learned something from my 3 year old this week. Bear with me - I am a first time single Mom - all this stuff is new to me!

She had a birthday Tuesday, with a party at school, cake, balloons, small presents, the whole bit. I was going to have another party for her the day after Thanksgiving, because my family was here for the holiday, with the "big" present", another cake etc. So much for 'less is more"! Ha!

Well, I mentioned to Bella that we were having a party and she looked at me, frowned, and said, "Mom. I already had my party". Hmmm. Indeed.
I cancelled the order for the cake, and put the toys away in the closet for Christmas. Really made me think. The 2nd party was for me, not her. It brought home so clearly to me the fact that, while we all know in theory that it is not good for our kids or our pocketbooks to overindulge, it is fun, and tempting, to do so.

So.....I am vowing to remember this, not just this year when money is so tight for so many, but every year. As well as having decided as a family that the exchange will be one present each except for the kids, I feel that, between Bella's "big" gifts, a play kitchen and (yet another) Princess dress, a few small things and her stocking, that is more than enough. Also, we donated $25 toward a fund that will send 65 kids in Kyrgyzstan to a "McDonalds" type restaurant for Christmas. I explained as best I could to Bella what the money was going for and how Christmas is about giving as well as receiving. I don't think she understood but if she didn't understand this year, she will next year.

So...again, I am curious as to how other people deal with this - is anyone else using this time to rethink their practices - and what are you saying to your kids about it?