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[quote=Anonymous]OP, I read this tip years ago in one of my mom's magazines like Family Circle or Good Housekeeping. We continue to implement it, even though our oldest is now 28:

Buy balloons in red, green, and white (or just a couple packages of assorted balloons at a dollar store or other retailer). After the kids have gone to bed on Christmas Eve, blow up the balloons and tuck them between the gifts beneath the tree. This may take longer than you expect it will, but the results are worth it. Or, if you have few gifts, simply cover the tree skirt with balloons.

Before the kids get up to open their presents, turn on the tree lights. The balloons will reflect the sparkle of the lights and give the impression of "more." Don't be surprised if the balloons become a bigger hit than the gifts. The kids will toss those balloons back-and-forth and drive you absolutely crazy all day, but the balloons will be memorable.

Even our oldest still gets a kick out of all the balloons. It wouldn't be Christmas without them.

(I should add that if your two-year-old still puts things in their mouth, then don't do balloons. A popped balloon can be dangerous. My kids never put anything in their mouths except food - for whatever reason - so this was never a concern.)

To my mind, Santa IS real. Let the people in your life or community step into Santa's shoes this year. Ask for help. Use google to search for churches or ministries that may be able to help you cover a gift for at least the 8-year-old. Give a "Santa Certificate" to the 13-year-old, good for the purchase of an electronic item once Santa's factory backlog has been cleared. (This would follow a heart-to-heart talk with the child so they will understand what's going on.)

I agree that your two-year-old just wants items to open. Get to the thrift stores now, however, before they are sold out. If there's a Facebook group in your area where people post about things the don't want anymore, and are happy to give away, join that group. I belonged to one for a while, but so many people kept posting about stuff they wanted to give away that I had to leave - because it was all I saw on Facebook. Many of those items were children's things.

Good luck. I hope 2025 is better for you.

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