It's that time of year when many parents see their little angels turning into unruly grinches. "The holidays are ripe for bringing on that bratty behavior," explains Betsy Brown Braun, child development and behavior specialist. "It's a bratty time of year," she explains, because parents are overwhelmed with the demands of the season. "That stress that you're feeling, your kids are absorbing that right away and that translates into bratty behavior." Betsy shares her suggestions for making this a joyous season for *everyone,* which center around a common theme parents should keep in mind. "Kids remember the gifts for a while," she says, "but they remember the experiences forever." • **Set realistic expectations.** "In this economy, there are people who can't afford to give their children what they'd like to give them - don't feel guilty about that," Betsy advises. "Children wanting things is normal; you don't have to give them everything, but there's no harm in their longing." Betsy discourages parents from explaining to their kids that money is tight this time of year, as that puts an unnecessary guilt trip on the young ones. "But you can certainly say, 'We and Santa will choose carefully how we're going to spend our money.'" • **Rebrand the holidays.** Kids look at the holidays as a time of "Gimme, gimme, gimme!" but Betsy says you can easily turn that around. "Make into a holiday of 'What am I giving?' rather than 'What am I getting?' You want to create experiences and rituals that are about family." Betsy suggests planning family activities like driving around the neighborhood in your pajamas and looking at the holiday lights, or all taking part in the kitchen making cranberry bread or other special recipes. Also, instead of having a Secret Santa, everyone can choose a Secret Elf in the family whom they do things for, like one sibling helping another with chores. "And think about things you can do for other people," Betsy adds. "Ask yourselves, Who can we give this cranberry bread to who is not expecting it? Perhaps the crossing guard or the janitor at school." • **Involve your kids in your holiday stressors.** If sending out holiday cards or wrapping tons of presents stresses you out and takes away time you could be spending with your kids, get them involved. "Kids are really good at putting stamps on envelopes, loading and licking envelopes ... their wrapping job may not be perfect, but it's good enough and kids feel so good when they're involved in the holidays."