Parent to Parent: Holiday Spending

WSVN -- The holiday shopping season is here, but with an ailing economy and increasing layoffs, 'tis the season for many families to tighten their belts.

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg: "How much is it?"

That's a question lots of parents are going to be asking this holiday season.

Yael Rosenberg: "Looks like it's $16."

The Rosenbergs have taught their kids the importance of buying within their budget, especially during the holidays.

Yael Rosenberg: "I try to get really, really cute gifts that are like in the $5 section, so that way I still have money left for everyone else."

Yael's mom Sharon literally wrote the book on living well and saving money called the Frugal Duchess.

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg: "Elle, three for $10. What do you think?"

In addition to looking for bargains, Sharon and family like to make gifts during the holidays.

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg: "Whether you're making a picture for someone or making a calendar or baking cookies, those homemade gifts show that you put heart and feeling and time into it. It's so much better than making a mad dash to the store."

Gabi Rosenberg: "I made two bags."

Cookie bags are old favorites, and Gabi likes to make cards.

Gabi Rosenberg: "I think a homemade gift shows much more effort, so I think it comes from the heart."

Dr. Val says tough times are the best time to teach important lessons about giving and receiving.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "There's way too much focus on the gift itself rather than why we are giving somebody that gift. We give people gifts because we want them to know how much we love them."

Dr. Val says it's easy to trim back and still keep the holiday spirit. Instead of buying lots of gifts, draw names. Don't bother with an expensive holiday party, just invite a group of friends over for home movie night. Keeping a sense of humor is important too. Ever heard of a white elephant gift?

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg: "Everyone goes into their closet and pulls out something they absolutely hate and make it a gag gift. And everybody brings it in, puts all the silly presents in the bag and pulls one out, and you make it a fun activity."

Dr. Val says it's all in the attitude.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Be creative. You have to be creative and be happy and be willing to let go of what we did last year. If you're still holding on, your season this year will not be a very happy one."

Something Sharon and her family are taking to heart.

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg: "It really is the thought that counts. It might sound cliché, but it's true."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com

The Frugal Duchess
www.sharonhr.blogspot.com