Everyone's broke. People are being laid off right and left. It's not exactly the merriest holiday season on record. And yet, there are plenty of ways to make the yuletide (whatever that is) gay despite the economic downturn. In fact, one of the few upsides of these dark times is that families are more likely to indulge in the free, simple pastime of hanging out together. In that spirit, we bring you our writers' strategies for recession-proofing your holidays. — The Babble Editors
TABLE OF CONTENTS Top 10 Kid Christmas-Special Moments That Make Parents Cry
By Jen Chaney
Seven Holiday Card-inal SinsJen Chaney
Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (And Now You Can I.M. Him).By the Editors
The Babble Holiday Gift GuideBy the Editors
Eighty-five gift ideas, 17 categories, 30 giveaways!
Babble Best: Building SetsBy Kate Bayless
Five perfect gifts for your little architect.
Babble Best: Train SetsBy Kate Bayless
All aboard our five favorite toy railways!
The Best and Worst of 2008By the Editors
The year in parenting, from Sarah Palin to Suri Cruise. by Babble Editors
Parental Advisory: A Jew Among GentilesBy Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morris
How do I tell my five-year-old that Santa's bringing toys to her friends but not to her?
Bad Parent: Sorry, Can't Make ItBy Jeanne Sager
There's no place like home for the holidays — my home.
A Very Muslim ChristmasBy Hadeel Masseoud
Would having a tree betray our faith?
Babble Best: Puppet TheatersBy Jeanne Sager
Boost your indoor fun quotient with these five puppet playscapes.
Babble Best: WagonsBy Jeanne Sager
Our five favorite forms of public toddler transportation.
Babes in ToylandBy Kevin Keck
I fought the toy invasion and lost. FROM OUR ARCHIVES The Babble Holiday Gift Guide 2007
By the Editors
Choosing His ReligionBy Erin K. Blakely
I'm Catholic. My husband's Jewish. What does that make our son?
Presents, PleaseBy Amy Lutz
Why I don't believe in "no gifts" parties.
The GrinchBy Sasha Brown Worsham
Why I won't let my child believe in Santa.
You Better Not CryBy Jennifer Cattui
Santa's the disciplinarian at our house.
'Tis the SeasonBy Kim Brooks
Why my Jewish baby is celebrating Christmas.
Christmas Special Round-Up 2007By Lisa Carver and kids
Shrek vs. Dudley Moore vs. The Doodlebops!