In tough times, let true Christmas shine

Thanks to a Scrooge-like economy, most parents know that Santa will have an easier time sliding down the chimney with his slimmed-down sack of goodies.
But a more pressing issue is how to tell children to lower their holiday expectations, particularly those kids who believe in a North Pole where elves exist rather than credit woes.
The key, experts say, is to focus on the true spirit of the holidays: the importance of togetherness and the joy of giving. To do that effectively, it would be best to conceal your inner Grinch because if you express your fears, it could keep Christmas from coming, they say.

Fewer toys, in fact, can lead to a richer holiday experience, said writer Armin Brott, better known as Mr. Dad (mrdad.com).
Just as high gas prices this summer persuaded people to buy more fuel-efficient cars and drive less, a depressed economy could have families thinking more about the holidays as an experience rather than a commercial extravaganza.

So, make them homemade items, like we did years ago and spread the real love of christmas and the true meaning and faith...;)