If your holiday season rings in more stress than joy, you're not alone. Consider these facts:

oIn a recent survey, 96% of 8-12 year olds included a big screen TV in their wish list. This despite 73% of parents wanting to limit their children's TV time.

o It takes an average of 4 months for a credit card user to pay off what they buy during holidays

o Americans plan to spend $1,564 per household during holidays. $1,042 for gifts.

o A national survey suggests that 70% of Americans would like less emphasis put on spending and giving gifts.

Helpless to resist pressures of a “spend it” society, many people feel obligated to get on frenzied commercialized Christmas train - and they don't know how to get off.

If your holiday season tends to exhaust rather than uplift, maybe it's time to wrestle holidays from clutches of commercialism. Pump joy and love back into your holiday, filling it with true spirit of Christmas.

What do kids really want?

The crowds, cash, Christmas Crunch. The wrapping, toys, noise. It's burning you out-right? So why do we do it? For most, typical answer is not surprising, “We do it for kids.” For many people Christmas is about children and bringing them as much joy as possible. But think for a moment about your own childhood. What made holiday season special for you?

Not sure your answer best represents feelings of most kids? Think again. We asked kids. A recent survey of 7th graders reveals their fondest memories related to holiday season and Christmas in particular. You may be surprised to see what they had to say.

“The thing I like most is being able to see all of my relatives. We get together at my grandparents' houses and have big meals, which leads to another good part. The food. We usually have big hams and mashed potatoes and other good stuff. Then I feel like I won't be able to eat for another week." Ryan, age 12

"I always have a good time at Christmas. On Christmas Eve we stay up late and play video games. Then in morning I get my stocking. Then I wake up my family and we open up our presents and eat pixie sticks and then we eat a big breakfast. After that we go outside. We also play board games. I love Christmas." Meg, age 12

"All of my Christmas's have been jolly. I think my best memory has been spending time with my family." Devin, age 12

"The first thing I think about when somebody mentions Christmas is picking out and putting up a tree and decorating it.” Jessica, age 12

Now, I know what you're thinking, “Sure, he took four quotes from a stack that suited his purpose.” Not true. Of 75 students surveyed only 12 even mentioned unwrapping presents as a significant memory for them. Family gatherings and family activities created fondest memories for 84% of group.

If you are racking up credit card debt to create perfect memory for your kids, you are wasting time and your money.

Creating a Joyful Season

Wonder no more ! Choosing a gift for a baby should be simple. Just ask yourself what delights a baby.

There are many things which delight a baby. But toys are undoubtedly at top of list. Children, even at a very young age, have already been delighted with good toys. Playing with toys is baby's work. And if you shop wisely, not only baby will get fun toys which you feel good about giving. She will get educational ones too.

So why not give a nice baby educational toy this holiday season to baby of your life ?

Choosing an infant toy which is fun, safe and educational sounds simple, but in reality it is not that simple. Go to any toy store and you will know what I mean. Today's market seems to be saturated with baby toys, all marketed as baby educational toys. Deciding which toy to buy is becoming an art that not everybody are skilled in doing.

Here are few tips to make your shopping for baby educational toys easier:

First, toy has to meet safety standard. This means that you have to adhere to manufacturer's recommended age. Don't buy toys which are intended for older children, even if you think baby is genius. For safety reason, don't buy any toy which has these followings : sharp parts, small parts which can easily be put into mouth and swallowed, and long string.

Second, buy toys which are durable and have a good play value. Aim for a toy which can be played in many different ways and at same time can grow with child. Get good quality version of toys of this nature because they are worth it.

Third, if you plan to buy more than one toy, try to get toys which address as many as key developmental area as possible. What are key development areas we talk about here ?