The holidays provide a great opportunity to talk to children about money and financial responsibility.  The temptation is to put lots of toys and other gifts on your credit card – yes I’ve done it too – but this is really not a good way to be a role model.

Over at Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals, Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen writes an article that includes a few tips on what you can do during Christmas to show children smart money management,

Remind your kids that no one can get everything they want. That’s just the way life is! To teach younger kids about money at Christmas, discuss that although Santa will do his best to bring many things on their list, even Santa has a limit.

Unfortunately I find myself saying “NO” an awful lot these days.  I hate not being able to splurge like I used to, but my kids need to understand that money doesn’t just appear with a sprinkle of fairy dust.  They don’t like it, but are getting used to it.  If my own Mom could have one Christmas when she was a child where she received an orange from Santa, then certainly my own kids can get by with a coat, some jeans, and a couple other items.  I hope they don’t read this post!