Childlike Optimism Will Always Deliver

The Sunday Age

Sunday November 16, 2008

Liza Power

Santa is so rich, he can grant any child's wish. But can cash-strapped mums and dads? By Liza Power.

THERE are two reasons why seven-year-old Jason Stevenson is not worried about what he will find under the Christmas tree this year. The first is that "Santa Claus is so rich he can buy everything I put on my list". And the second is: "Where Santa comes from there's lots of snow so he can bring some rain, too."

The affable youngster's response might prompt smiles from his parents, who ventured into the city from Wantirna yesterday to watch the Myer Christmas Parade, but truth is they've been examining ways to curb spending this festive season. The annual camping trip down the Great Ocean Road has been cut from two weeks to six days, and everyone in the family will receive only a single gift on Christmas morning.

"I think it will probably end up being quite a healthy exercise," says mother Ruth, who like many crowd members donned a crown of red reindeer antlers to watch a stream of sequinned belly dancers and roller skating Santa's helpers make their way down Bourke Street. "Maybe we'll just have to find ways to be a bit smarter about how we do things," she said.

Jo Webster of Yarraville, who brought two-year-old daughter Nina and 10-week-old son Alfie into the city to see the parade, said that she had not even thought about presents yet and Christmas had never been a particularly extravagant affair in the Webster family. "We never go over the top, and we're always mindful of spending."

Although the economic downturn had certainly been a topic of household conversation - and retail spending already slow - Ms Webster said having young children made watching outgoings easier. "We're fortunate in a way," she said. "Having a two-year-old means they have no idea of fancy gifts. I mean, Nina would be thrilled by a muesli bar at her age."

Thoughts of muesli bars were a long way from the minds of West Australians Nan O'Connell and husband Laurie. In town to see Andre Rieu perform, the couple will fly home in a few days to begin preparations for a Christmas with family. With five grandchildren to please, Mrs O'Connell agreed she faced a hectic shopping schedule on her return. More modest gifts this year then? "Heavens, no. I adore my grandchildren. They'll be getting lots of presents."

Also in town to attend a performance of the Dutch violinist was Sydneysider Anna Pearson. Watching the passing of colourful floats with children Jessica, 5, and Josh, 2, Ms Pearson said that although the family would not be making any drastic changes to plans for Christmas Day, they had postponed holiday plans. "We normally go away in January but we'll be staying at home."

Also planning a quieter Christmas than usual is Jenny Madden of Port Melbourne, who came into town to watch the parade with her two daughters and granddaughter. "Usually we take four weeks off for a family trip, but it's looking more like two weeks this year. The economic situation has certainly been on our minds. Anyone who hasn't been thinking about it must be a bit mad, really."

Individual Christmas gifts are out this year for the Pinto family of Reservoir. Mother Donna says the decision was made some time ago, given that both sons, Xavier and Joseph, wanted a Wii video game console. A single purchase could cover everything - as could a single roll of wrapping paper.

Maryborough resident Brenda Hare, in Melbourne for a friend's birthday party, came across the Myer parade by chance while walking through town with friends. Next week she will head up to NSW to see her four grandchildren. "I'll ask them what they want when I see them. I don't think I'll be paying much attention to the price tags. I just like to see them with smiles on their faces."

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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