With Christmas just around the corner (I know, I can’t believe it either!), I’ll be using the season to teach my boys about the difference between wants and needs.

It’s a lesson my husband and I have been reminding ourselves of over the past few months as we, like a lot of other families, have focused on budgeting, saving and living more simply. Sure, I want that new purse, but I’ve got five hanging in the closet, so I don’t really need it. And we may not want to, but we need to build our savings and make sure we’ve got a little extra cash on hand for a rainy day.

The current economy has helped us focus more on what’s important, and I think it’s time to show the boys just why they should do the same.

Of course, this is a whole lot easier said than done considering every other commercial on television is for some new, cool, must-have toy for the holidays. And the boys flip through the Toys ‘R’ Us Big Toy Book that arrived a couple weeks ago like it’s their favorite bedtime story.

I’m bombarded daily with: “We need that toy!” from my 4-year-old.

His copy-cat little brother is quick to follow with a hopeful “Get that?! Get that?!”

And while we’ve had a few family talks about why we don’t need every toy or game that we see on TV or in the store, the value of saving and working hard to earn the fun things we want aren’t the easiest concepts for little ones (or some adults, for that matter) to grasp.

So this Christmas, we’re going to scale back a little bit. Yes, there will still be presents (read: toys) under the tree, just not as many. Many of the gifts will be a little more practical, and some may be handmade or homemade.

Instead, we’ll show our sons that spending time with loved ones and singing carols is more fun than shopping, and giving to those less fortunate is more rewarding than getting. In the end, I think they’ll find those are the things that they really want and need.

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If your family is looking for ways to give back during the holiday season, here are a few opportunities for kids to get involved in their community. If you know of more ways that our children can help those in need, add them below in the comments section.

• The Thanksgiving Baskets program is a donation-based event that allows low-income families in Alachua County to celebrate Thanksgiving the traditional way. Donations of frozen turkeys, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, instant potatoes, Jell-O, gravy, stuffing, canned vegetables and yams and sweet potatoes are needed. Cash donations and Publix gift cards in $10 or $15 increments are also a help. Food drop-off days are Nov. 16-19 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 N.W. 53rd Ave. (416-3037, www.ThanksgivingBasketsGNV.org)
• The Bread of the Mighty Food Bank needs help preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Help make a difference in the lives of the needy families in the community this holiday season by donating canned holiday “fixings” to the Food Bank. Financial contributions are needed as well. (325 N.W. 10th Ave., 336-0839, www.breadofthemighty.org)
• For many of us, the holidays represent a time for joy, family traditions and fun. Sadly, for many of the children in Children’s Home Society’s programs, the holidays do not bring these fond memories. Consider helping make a child’s holiday dreams come true by organizing a holiday gift drive. CHS has wish lists available that provide the age, sex, clothing sizes and three holiday wishes of a child. (334-0955, Terry.OConnor@chsfl.org)