to enjoy shopping and not be unusually materialistic. I certainly agree with most of Shaun says about shopping for others - I love the opportunity that Christmas gives me to buy whatever I want for other people (we are the lower end of the cost scale than most people!) without feeling guilty. If I see something earlier in the year I might buy it and save it for Christmas.

We also mostly steer clear of character stuff, and my two definitely have a lot less than most of their friends. We even got accused of being tight one year by my parents, because we were flying over to the UK with the gifts and didn't want to waste space or money, so we'd told the kids they'd have the opportunity for a few months to say they'd like something and we might get it for them. The kids were fine but my dad thought we were just mean! My two are also used to the idea of being given money as gifts because that's the traditional Chinese way (and you never look to see how much you got until you're in private!).

books are a weakness in most of my favourite people! When I had my mother look after the kids for a whole day on her own the other week (Dad was working and Mum's not really very strong) I made sure the kids each had a brand new book, both as a bribe to them, and also because I knew it would give them something which would keep them quiet for a good chunk of the day. Books are the only thing I would bribe with really - it's very successful too!

Kerri.