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With televisions blaring out the announcements of what toys our kids should have for Christmas, it is hard to be anything but worried about Christmas being a disappointment, especially during a recession. People forget the priorities which make Christmas a special time, and perhaps the kids are too influenced by the "haves" and "have nots" within their own lives to accept recession as an excuse from a parent who cannot afford to give them the toys they crave.

It's easy to say that Christmas isn't about presents, though many kids believe it is, and will feel bad about their Christmas being ruined by lack of money. Instead of seeing this as a time when kids will suffer disappointment, perhaps it is time to take those kids back to grass roots and introduce them to other kids worldwide who don't even have a dinner on Christmas day. It can cause resentment to suggest this to a child, although if it is dealt with in a sensitive manner, a child will understand and learn from the humbling experience of seeing that joy doesn't come in a box, but in the security of knowing where tomorrow's meal comes from.

Several years ago, during just such a recession, introducing my kids to giving instead of receiving was such a humbling experience, and one which set them in stead for the rest of their lives. The way there was a very simple one put into effect earlier in the year of sponsoring a child abroad. The country was a long way away and the correspondence between the children was the beginning of a journey which helped them to understand not only the relevance of poor people's lives but also how insignificant all these packages were on Christmas morning when looking at the bigger picture. I asked which record they would like me to play on Christmas morning since it was our tradition, and we played "Feed the World, Let them know it's Christmas", reminding us that we were luckier than most.

If you find yourself in a recession, suggest to the children that this Christmas is a time to think of those who have nothing, and to find ways to help another child have a good Christmas. It works wonders, because the focus is taken off self. Even if you are unable to do something as unusual as sponsoring a child, there are always children even in your own home town who have relatively little. Choose a children's home or an old folk's home, and work with your children to make home made items to give someone a little bit of pleasure. It doesn't have to cost money, but by goodness it adds wealth

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