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Economy Has N. Texans Changing Holiday Habits

Elizabeth Reeder Johnson, Individual and Family Therapist, was featured on Channel 11 News in an economic story about preparing your kids for less presents under the tree in these hard financial times. 

  • Arezow Doost
    DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ― Link expired

    There were fireworks on Capitol Hill Friday as lawmakers grilled members of the U.S. Treasury Department over how the government's massive financial rescue plan is going.  Meanwhile, the tight economy has some North Texans handling the holidays very differently.

    On Monday, senate democrats will take up a bill to extend $25 billion in emergency loans to the auto industry.

    At the Toys Unique store on Lovers Lane in Dallas, parents are thinking ahead to the Christmas holiday.

    "My son wants a fire truck," mother Asha Rajagopal said.  "I think my daughter wants a computer."

    Children have put together their holiday wish lists, but some North Texas parents admit they'll be scaling back on holiday spending.

    Some parents say they've already had to explain why their children will be seeing fewer gifts under the tree this year.  "We have had a nice discussion with our daughter about he difficult times," Rajagopal explained.  "I think she'll still expect Santa to come through."

    Grandmother Ann Kalber has four granddaughters and two grandsons.  Despite the economy, she says her spending may not change.  "I probably should [scale back shopping] but probably won't," Kalber said laughing.  "But that's what grandmothers are for especially during Christmas."

    Elizabeth Johnson is a child therapist and says this holiday season parents have to change their attitudes. "Focus on something different," she suggests.  "Tell the children, 'It's about our family and tradition this year', or it could be about giving to someone less fortunate."

    The key, Johnson says, will be setting aside activities - whether its cooking or playing games together - she says tell your kids ahead of time the families plans.

    (© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)