While the pressures to spend a lot of money at Christmas can cause resentment, and not to mention huge debt, there are ways to make your holiday less commercial and more meaningful. Here are some tips, courtesy of Alan Middleton, professor of marketing, Schulich School of Business at York University in North York, on how you and your family can make Christmas less commercial this year while creating values and encouraging compassion.
* Remember charities. Give to your church or favourite charity to make sure people who are less fortunate get something. This is the meaning of Christmas.
* Think about what gifts recipients really want. Don't just buy a thoughtless gift and spend tons of money. Make it cheaper and more personal and therefore more meaningful.
* Make a few gifts. It's a great opportunity to get the kids involved and it's more thoughtful. And write a thoughtful card; it's often more appreciated than the gift.
* Set a budget for friends and family and don't go over it. This curbs later resentment, not to mention debt.
* Schedule family time. We use money and gifts to replace quality time spent. Do an activity. Spend time with rather than give to.
* Don't ever buy on impulse. Stop yourself because the worst kind of overspending happens with uncertainty.
* Sit down and think before you go out shopping. Make a list and stick to it. This also curbs overspending and helps to resist temptation to overspend.
* Think about less and better rather than lots and not-so-good. If you're going to buy the toy, think about the toy that will amuse the kid for six months rather than the box for an hour.
* Think about educational toys, ones that encourage everything from learning colours to learning how to walk.
* Think about what your kid will benefit from. Don't buy a toy that a two-year-old can't appreciate or, oppositely, something for a teen who won't appreciate the value of that expensive gift. Open a bank account for them, it's a great gift overall.
* Don't over-celebrate with gifts. Decide what time of year is the most important gift-giving time for you. If it's Christmas, spend your money on your important people then but don't do it over and over again at Easter and Valentine's Day.