Helping children combat holiday commercialism.

Christmas lists seem to start earlier and get longer every year. To make it even worse, as children grow, so does the price tag of their desired gifts. Instead of a $5 action figure, they may want the latest designer clothes or expensive electronics. Where does it end?

Holiday-time consumerism can be like a seasonal cyclone, escalating until it reeks havoc, cautions Jeffrey Chase, professor of psychology, Radford (Va.) University. How can a parent rein in what seems to be a progressive and powerful trend?

Chase suggests a heart-to-heart talk about the true meaning of the holidays as a celebration of sharing and caring. Besides talking, you should encourage youngsters to perform acts of kind-ness, such as baking cookies and bringing them to a neighbor. It helps to get them involved in providing gifts for those who are less fortunate through holiday projects or charities that are devoted to helping others, particularly disadvantaged children.

In keeping with a giving theme, older kids might be required to earn money so they can buy presents for others. Earning cash for gifts, instead of just picking out something that parents pay for, reminds youngsters that resources are not limitless and that there is a relationship between work and money.

"When you make a purchase, involve children in the decision-making process," Chase suggests. "Make them aware of variables. Do we have the money? What will we get for what we pay? How long will it last? If we get one thing, what other thing will we have to give up? These are lessons you can teach children throughout the year."

When you try to combat commercialism, "you're swimming against the tide of millions of dollars in advertising." He recommends educating your offspring about advertising techniques such as "action figure shown is not actual size." Also, remind them about past items that were deceptively portrayed or disappointing.

As Chase points out, often...