Dear Amy,

I hope you can help me out with a holiday dilemma. My kids are at that age where they are just starting to understand the meaning behind the holidays but they’re still caught up mostly in the promise of presents. I’m partly to blame because I usually get an early start on my shopping and holiday planning. This year is going to be different, though. The economy crisis has hit our family pretty hard so we’re downscaling a lot of our normal holiday spending and events. Have any tips on how to create great holiday memories, without spending a lot of money and time?

- Anonymous

Never fear, my economically distressed friend (and it’s not like you’re alone these days!). There are countless ways for you and your family to create awesome holiday memories without crippling your wallet.

• Lighten Up! Find out what neighborhoods go all out with festive holiday lights and take a walk or drive with the whole family. Sip hot chocolate along the way!
• Get Active! Build a new tradition that when the Sunday football games break for half time you make a break for the outdoors. Get the family involved in their own touch football game or a game of tag. It’s free, it’s exercise, and it’s fun.
• Get Involved! Volunteer with a charity that makes meals for families. Or volunteer at a shelter or food bank on Thanksgiving. Seeing others in distress will provide a great lesson to your young ones on the value of giving back! And you can still make it home in time for your own Thanksgiving feast.
• Become a “Foster Family!” Volunteer at a retirement home. There are plenty of people there who don’t have any family and would be so happy to see you! Plus, your kids will be able to “adopt” a foster grandma or grandpa.
• Give it away! Have your kids go through their existing toys before creating their wish list. Decide on which ones they are willing to donate to kids in need. This will teach them the value of what they already have and also help them to become giving adults.
• Get creative in this process. Involve other families in your neighborhood in planning events that stress togetherness over gift giving. How about a caroling party? Or perhaps have the kids stage an elaborate puppet show pageant in the garage, complete with homemade stage and paper bag puppets?

You can get just as creative when it comes to gifts, too. Have your kids limit their list to one “high priority” item then come up with some non-monetary presents your kids will love just as much: a “coupon” for her favorite dessert night, a sleep-over with friends, or a special movie and popcorn night where they can choose the film. Not only do they get to enjoy the special treat it can also become a time you get to spend together with your kids.

In the end, it’s really more about making the holiday meaningful for you and your family. By creating events that can become traditions you teach your kids such great values, and you get the benefit of pulling your whole family together without busting the bank. The economy may be in the dumpster but there’s absolutely no reason to let old Uncle Scrooge ruin your holiday fun.