Reply to How to have a good Christmas for kids when we are in a lot of debt?

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[quote=Anonymous]My kid is in middle school and definitely senses these types of situations.  My opinion is tell them.  We are going to do more family activities and less physical gifts.  We want to save extra money to pay off xyz.  I think for the older one some explanation is necessary for context.

Now that my child is in middle school and wants (occasionally needs) more expensive items I explain the cost difference.  You want this nice sweater?  Do you understand it costs x times more than clothes at Old Navy?  It is nicer so please don’t ball it up on the floor where it can get snagged, use the laundry basket!

Also explaining the difference between wants and needs.  We are going out today to buy snow boots.  We have nothing that fits and it is predicted to be a snowy winter.  My child walks to school, so I explain we NEED snow boots.  Getting an additional pair of sneaker though, is a want.  You have functional sneakers!

Maybe pick a want and a need?

Sorry it’s hard.  This is just my 2 cents.

There are a lot of fun free things to do in DC.

Not sure where you live but my child has enjoyed the following free:
National Christmas tree
Capitol Christmas tree
Drinking cocoa and driving around downtown looking at lights 
Local group caroling if you can find it
Mormon Temple in Chevy Chase, MD has amazing lights.  Also a bunch of really high quality free performances/concerts (we are a mixed Christian & Jewish family and really enjoyed some of these, it’s okay if you are not Mormon)
Visiting Santa

Not super expensive:
Outdoor ice skating 
Local student ballet companies Nutcracker

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