I’m noticing that Christmas is getting on many people’s minds. My mother-in-law has already called asking about the children’s wish lists. My daughter is talking about it. No doubt my son would be too if he had any notion about it or could say the words.

christmas tree

Christmas is one of those times of year that it is ridiculously easy to go overboard. My daughter is always wanting just about every toy she walks past. My son is getting into that idea, although he is still far more impressed by construction equipment and toy trucks than anything else.

I think one of the keys to keeping to a budget at Christmas is to communicate well. In years past I’ve been caught off guard by my husband buying far more than I wanted to buy for the kids for Christmas. It’s easy since he’s a kid at heart and loves the excuse to shop for the toys he remembers well or would like to have around the house.

One category I try to limit most is toys. Most kids will get plenty of toys from relatives, so there’s little reason for Mom and Dad to add to the clutter. But the toys I select will be picked as things I think will encourage the most creative play.

Craft supplies are also a personal favorite. My daughter’s craft box has a few categories that are coming up to a point where they need restocking, and Christmas is a great time to do that. Gives more to unwrap while sticking with things I would have bought anyhow.

Clothing, on the other hand, goes somewhat by need. I’m willing to spend a little over what I would otherwise if it’s really needed. Won’t be much of that this year since both my kids have plenty of clothes at the moment.

Books are the other big weakness, especially if a good book sale comes along. I already have a couple books tucked away for Christmas. But then I always figure that fun, educational items like books aren’t too bad to be over budget on.

I do enjoy making sure the kids get some fun Christmas traditions. We’re talking about doing a gingerbread house this year from scratch. We did the kit last year. I might cheat and go with graham crackers, which is how my mother used to do it. The kids didn’t like the gingerbread last year.

Add in seeing houses lit up, maybe making cookies, getting together with family, and I know the kids will have a great time, no matter how many presents they get.

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