by Ali Mechelle

Created on: December 06, 2008

How to Celebrate Christmas in a Recession

Being in the midst of a recession brings about changes that, no matter how much we wish we could avoid them, are inevitable. In case you haven't heard, this current recessions is predicted to be equal to or worse than the one America experienced after the Great Depression. Some of us don't have to watch the news to know what's going on because a good number of us have already lost jobs or experienced pay cuts, making what is news to others personal for us.

In times like these, the onset of Christmas can be not only discouraging, but downright depressing. If you are single or don't have any children, the prospects don't seem as bleak because it's easier to explain your financial situation and its affects to family and friends who love and empathize with you.

Still, it can be hard to tell your children. The little ones usually find Christmas to be their favorite holiday because it's the one time of the year when they may be spoiled and lavished upon. Telling them that this year may not be the same would be hard for any loving parent.

So what do you do? Do you apply for more credit cards or take out a loan, just to make Christmas as bright as it usually is? I wouldn't suggest it...now is not the time to accrue more debt. Instead, simply do what our predecessors had to do when they experienced hard timesmake adjustments. Here are a few tips to making Christmas time great while in the midst of a recession.

1. BE HONEST, UPFRONT, AND IMAGINATIVE. As I said before, most of us who are childless or unmarried will find it less difficult to be direct with our friends and family. Any mature adult should be able to understand that Christmas will be less extravagant when they know your circumstance or situation. If you are one of the lucky ones who haven't been burnt by the economic downturn, this is your opportunity to be the understanding one.

But when it comes to children, we have to be a little bit more sensitive. We tend to think children are fragile little beings who can't handle the truth. Though it's true that they still possess an innocence and naivet, it doesn't take away from their strength of character. Simply sit your children down, perhaps over dinner or in the family room. Then proceed to explain that Mommy and Daddy are having a tough time this year. Christmas will still be full of love, but there will be fewer gifts.

If your children still believe in Santa Claus and you don't want to take that away just yet, then you must

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