Other families try to get the kids whatever they ask for. Still others travel 600 miles to see all the grandparents. If you do use credit, keep track of the total amount of credit used. It's best to stay within a budgeted amount that can be paid off before incurring finance charges. Sometimes people need to break traditions and change expectations, especially when those traditions leave a family debt-ridden in the new year.
Families have to talk about the changes.
Then they have to follow through. The specialists offer these ideas for making the holidays less costly. Have a potluck dinner, instead of having the full meal prepared by one family. Set a price limit for purchased gifts. Give a gift from one family to another family, rather than individual gifts for all.