Parent to Parent: Christmas Budget

WSVN -- Santa Claus: "What should Santa bring you on Christmas Eve?"

Little girl 1: "A cupcake maker."

In malls across the country, kids are making their annual climb onto Santa's lap asking for Christmas presents.

Santa Claus: "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?"

Little girl 2: "A bicycle."

But what do you do if your child really wants something you just can't afford?

Santa Claus: "What would you like for Christmas, young lady?"

Amanda Brenner: "A horse."

A horse, unfortunately, is probably not in the cards for Amanda Brenner. Her mother says, the family business is a little off this year, so like many families, they plan to cut back on gifts. She says they've told the kids not to expect a lot.

Codie Brenner: "We want our kids to understand to be content when we have and when we have not. They know that they are loved whether we have money or not."

Santa Claus: "What should Santa bring you this year for Christmas?"

Little girl 3: "Everything that's at Target."

Santa Claus: "Everything that's at Target?"

Many parents are talking to their kids to avoid any disappointment on Christmas morning, like Ralphie felt here in "A Christmas Story."

Experts like momcentral.com founder Stacy Debroff, say, with older kids especially, be honest. It's the younger ones who you may have to get creative with.

Stacy Debroff, momcentral.com: "The last thing anyone wants is the look of disappointment as kids open up a present and say 'Oh, that's all you got me?'"

Debroff says kids get it, and if you bring them into the discussion, they'll help come up with something you can afford that will also hopefully make them as happy as the YouTube kid on Christmas morning.

YouTube kid: "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
http://www.drvaleriegoode.com/

University of Minnesota
www.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories2/Talk_with_children_about_holiday_budgets.html