'Moms Talk' Q & A: How Do You Keep Christmas From Getting Too Expensive?

Each week the council will answer a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week, the Mom Councils members talk about spending on Christmas presents.

Susan Jerome: I try to stay within a budget, and do so the majority of the time.
 
I keep in mind that there are other things we can give at Christmas. One of my friends loves my sauce and meatballs so I make a batch for her along with her favorite cookies. Another friend just had her third child so this year I am going to get something all three of the girls can enjoy rather than individual gifts.
 
I try and have the gift meet the needs of the person. My one friend is struggling financially so I will get gift cards, at the half-priced websites, to restaurants and a gift card to the store where she buys her favorite makeup.
 
My children know things have been more difficult the past few years so they don't be expect a lot but they are older and can understand the situation. I try to stress to the children that, while it is fun to receive gifts, the holiday is about Jesus and family and not presents.
 
Kim Zannetti: A couple of years ago, when our family was really starting to expand, we began a "gift exchange." We labeled it as a Secret Santa, which the kids thought was cool.

We keep it a surprise, and that seems to add an extra element of fun. The kids will give each other clues, or act like they know who each other's "Santa" is. It is quite funny to watch them. It tends to focus the kids on the excitement and spirit of the season rather than massive amounts of gifts.