The Magic of Santa more important than bulging sack of presents as recession hits families

Many parents who are still feeling the financial pinch of a very difficult year will be hoping that the magic of Santa Claus will make up for the lack of extra presents this Christmas.

Research by authors of “My Perfect Christmas” found that many households will be cutting back on the trimmings and stocking-fillers, but still want their children to believe in the magic and tradition of the man.

“It looks like our fantasy Father will be receiving a reality check this Christmas,” says writer and illustrator Ryan Goble.

“One in three of our customers said that while they would ordinarily buy extra gifts from Santa for their kids they would not be doing so this Christmas.”

In a bid to return to less expensive but meaningful gifts, the My Perfect Christmas book uses state-of-the-art photo technology to make children the star of the story.

The story highlights the excitement of Santa’s visit and traditions such as putting out a carrot for his reindeer.

“Parents love the book as much as the kids do,” says Goble.

“Children like to see themselves on the page and hear their name in the story. It’s a great way to introduce them to books, and that’s why My Perfect Christmas is such a hit with parents.”

My Perfect Christmas is available at a special introduction price of £19.99 until October 31st from MyPerfectStory.com.

Will you be making financial cutbacks this Christmas?

Should you talk to your children about the economy?

One of the big responsibilities of any parent is how much to talk to their children about serious, complicated and potentially worrying issues.

On one hand, most parents want to allow children to maintain some degree of innocence, and to be shielded from the worst the world has to offer.

On the other hand, innocence is so quickly lost these days, and children need to be aware of certain issues so that they can be kept safe.

The current economic climate is causing many families to reassess what they spend their money on and how they live their lives. For many, it may mean a change in lifestyle because the mortgage costs more or the cost of living has increased.

Children aren’t stupid, and they’ll know something’s going on. How much should you tell them about the credit crunch and all that jazz?

Honesty, simplicity, and relevance is the best policy.

It may be that a child asks you what “the credit crunch” is. It may be that you don’t fully understand the intricacies of the global problem yourself (I certainly don’t) but by simplifying the situation and making it relevant to your family, it’s more likely to mean something to your child.

It’s probably best not to force the issue. If your child is showing no interest in the subject at all, it’s not worth making a big issue out of it – that could backfire and cause the child to become anxious about the situation.

It will depend on the age of the child as to if, when and how you tell them. Very young children are ultimately looking to you for their security, and no doubt you’re doing your very best to see that their needs are met. Why confuse them?

On the other hand, older children and teenagers may be much more inquisitive, possibly asking more demanding questions.

You might also find yourself being asked why you can’t afford those new trainers, mobile phone or games console. This is a good time to explain that, as a family, you have to look after your money and spend it more wisely.

Don’t make them feel guilty for wanting new things. Instead, suggest that, at least for the next few months, you’ll all have to find other less expensive ways of having fun and entertaining yourselves.

Your kids might get upset or stroppy, but often they do appreciate being included in things that affect the family. You could even begin introducing them to budgeting – though you’ll probably want to make sure you’re doing this yourself, first – as this will stand them in good stead for adulthood.

Every family is different, and you know your children the best, but these are some guidelines that you might want to adapt so that your family continues to feel secure and informed even in these more difficult times.

• What do you think?
• Have you talked to your kids about money and the current economic situation?
• How did they react?
• What advice would you give to other parents?

Bad economy: divorce down, domestic violence up

Last year, when the scale of the economic crisis was still dawning upon us, the UK’s Office of National Statistics found that the slowing property market could be reducing the divorce rate.

That doesn’t mean that relationships have suddenly got significantly better. In fact, financial turmoil places a real strain on relationships, and new statistics from US-based LegalMatch paint a much more worrying picture.

While this year’s divorce rate increase of 12% was much less than in previous years (28%), cases of domestic violence had increased over previous years.

Added to this, in November 2008, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline, headquartered in Austin, Texas, reported a 21 percent increase in calls compared to last year.

While I’m a strong believer in marriage, the numbers suggest a sad story: that many in relationships where one partner has violent tendencies are even less able to leave now that the financial situation is so dire, and yet that same predicament is obviously leading some people to higher levels of aggression.

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can provide a greater sense of security.

What’s really important is to talk to your partner straight away when it comes to dealing with financial problems.

First Choice offers more free child places than ever before

First Choice has made a pretty big thing of its free child places and child-friendly holiday activities, and now it has announced that it is to offer more free places than ever before.

Last year, over 70,000 kids went free on First Choice holidays. Seven thousand of those learnt to swim, 4,000 learnt to play better football, and 1,500 kids danced, sang and acted.

These free child places are available across a wide range of great family properties, most of which offer free kids clubs and other fantastic activities to keep children occupied on holiday without breaking the budget.

More information is available at FirstChoice.co.uk

UK Law Commission calls for more rights for unwed couples

A report by the Law Commission calls for unwed couples to have more legal rights.

It claims that most couples living together still believe they are protected by a “common law” marriage, when in fact this isn’t true.

The report calls for a financial value to be put on the contribution each person brings to the relationship. This would mean that financial compensation would be given to someone who gives up work to look after children, if the relationship ends.

The Commission denies that their proposals undermine marriage. Earlier this month the Conservative party called for a number of financial incentives for married couples. The two proposals aren’t mutually exclusive.

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