The holiday season is a time of joy, giving and family togetherness. But for parents like me, it’s also marked by stress, financial strain and an overwhelming sense of guilt.

The pressure to deliver a magical holiday experience fills me with anxiety. I want my children to be happy, but at what cost?

According to a survey by Bankrate, more than 50% of holiday shoppers expect to feel financially burdened, with "parents of younger kids (feeling) a bigger financial pinch."

The cultural expectation to give children the "perfect" Christmas can be overwhelming. The guilt is oftencompounded by social media, where picture-perfect holiday celebrations dominate our feeds.

From watching reviews of the latest gadgets to seeing the season's trending toys, and swiping through lavish holiday home decor, I can easily become overwhelmed.

I know I can't give my children the world, but I want to.

My family has had to be a little more cost-conscious because of inflation. Although the inflation rate, now 2.7%, has slowed........

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