We won't be spending as much this holiday season

That headline cannot be much of a shock, especially since we curtailed our back-to-school spending and took more staycations this year. In a new Consumer Reports poll, nearly two-thirds of Americans, or 65 percent, say that they will cut back this season on holiday expenses, such as gifts, travel and entertaining. You can take a look at the full report here.

Last year, some 76 percent of Americans said they would cut back. So the numbers this year aren't as large but maybe that other 11 percent already felt like they had cut to the bone. Or maybe more people feel like they have turned the corner in this economy.

The cutbacks will be felt across the board: Americans say they won't spend as much on clothing, electronics, gift cards and jewelry. And they also say that they won't give as much in monetary gifts as in season past. With some 13.5 million consumers still saddled with 2008 holiday debt, according to Consumer Reports, it's probably a good idea not to go further down that road.

And most striking about the poll is who will get cut from the holiday gift list. Most consumers -- 78 percent -- say they will not spend as much on themselves, followed by friends and their families, other family members, co-workers and service providers like the hairstylist, delivery personnel and fitness trainers. But have no fear: Grandparents, grandchildren, kids under 18 and the family pet will all be spared. And really, aren't the holidays for kids anyway?

-- Sherry Robinson

Christmas shopping wishes do come true

Mommas, I'm trusting you here. I scored the best Christmas present deal ever and I have to talk about it!

I set myself up for impossible Christmas expectations with both my daughters, 8 and 3, back in October. See, I brought home KOTA the Triceratops to review for our Toy Guide. He of the $299 price tag. Sure, this robotic dinosaur was a hit, with his interactive personality and roaring voice. Both girls howled as they took turns feeding him, riding him and putting him to sleep. But I had no idea the impact he would have.

Flash forward to a couple of weeks ago when my girls made their Christmas lists. 8-year-old: puppy, Nintendo DS, KOTA. 3-year-old: KOTA, Dora backpack. Uh, see my problem? We set a budget of $100-$125 a child, which means KOTA and the handheld Nintendo were out.

Until Sunday, when impossible dreams came true! My husband and I went to Costco to look for toys for the 3-year-old and who do we see? KOTA! Now, at Costco that's good news. Their price: $240 minus an instant $110 rebate, so  . . . $130!

But that's not even the best part. Turns out, the display model was the last KOTA in the store, so we got him for $115!

Now I'm saving you the drama my husband and I endured as we left our post guarding KOTA when a store employee told us there were 13 in storage ("Go to the front and we'll bring it to you"). Yep, you guessed it. Another couple was standing guard when my husband returned. Thank goodness I wasn't there. I feel awful for those parents.

Anyway, I'm so thankful that I can get my girls something on their lists. It's a rough year all around and I was worried they wouldn't understand.

Do you have happy Christmas shopping story? Share it with us!

-- Amy Hollyfield

Sears brings layaway back -- but with a catch

A few months back, before the economy began to nosedive, lots of overconfident retailers did away with layaway. But now it's back, as store chains like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Burlington Coat Factory  realize that some of us need a little help to be able to provide holiday cheer for our families. On Thursday, Sears joined them, reinstating it in time for Christmas.

But there's a catch, Mommas.

First the details: You'll need to put at least $15, or 20 percent down, for the items you want. Also, since Christmas is only about 40 days away, you have to have everything paid off by Dec. 23. The offer is good at all Sears. Sears Essential, Sears Hardware and Sears Grand stores. Read all the rules here.

Now here's the catch: One of the big ticket items that many people would like to put on layaway is home electronics. But Sears won't let you put those big-screen TVs, DVD players, cell phones or computers on layaway. Meanwhile, though, sister store Kmart has been running commercials about its layaway program, and home electronics seem to be on the list that you can pay off on time.

Mommas know that we'll do anything to make the holidays happy for our kids. Maybe this will begin to make filling their stockings a little easier.

[Times file photo]

-- Sherry Robinson

The big talk -- about money!

Have you had the big talk with your kids yet? I'm not talking about sex in this case. It seems that money is maybe the more immediate concern right now, even for your little tots. With talks of a $700-billion bailout of Wall Street, your children might be wondering what's going on.

In this Associated Press story, one Momma who runs a Web site that deals with helping your kid understand the all mighty dollar thinks that we wouldn't be in this economic tailspin if people would just talk to their kids about money. I think that it is a little over-simplistic, but I do think that discussing finanaces and the economy with your children is a good thing. I wrote here earlier that it's important that kids not think that money grows on trees and that saving money is a smart thing to do.

What's also important is giving so we definitely try to show our sons that by tithing in church and giving to other charities.

Be honest about the economic crisis so that they know that belt tightening will affect the whole family. But when you do have the talk, take care not to scare your children. You want them to concern themselves with the kid stuff -- school, little league and where the next birthday party is going to be.

-- Sherry Robinson

[photos.com]