With Black Friday looming ahead, many of us are looking at our lists and figuring out what we want to give those we love and what we can reasonably afford to do without losing our homes in the process.

Everyone I’ve talked to is planning a for a skinnier Santa this year. We’ve opted for one larger family gift for us with only two to three smaller items for the kids. Most of our friends are getting memberships to support some of our favorite local organizations that need support more than ever.

Homer and I have not even begun to consider gifts for ourselves. It appears we’re not alone. According to a New York Times article this week, more and more parents are opting to shun their own desires to give their kids the best Christmas they can afford.

The concept of self-sacrifice isn’t anything new. Most of us would starve lest to see our offspring experience a pang of hunger or the disappointment of an empty stocking on Christmas morn.

If times weren’t as tough as they are, what would be on your Christmas list?