Even with job uncertainty and tough economic times, the holidays are still right around the corner. That can add even more stress to your everyday life, and even more so if you have kids.

We talked to some moms about the pressure for presents and an expert about how you can tell your kids 'it's time to cut back.'

For some cuties, cash is constant as they buy their groceries and play behind the counter at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, Inc.

But, their moms know once they step outside the play diners and grocery stores, the real green doesn't flow as freely these days and it might be a little tougher to put presents under the tree.

"We talked to our daughters about that and said 'we're going to scale back a little bit and how about if we do one big thing this year instead of a lot of little things?'" Robin Elvig says, a plastic cupcake in front of her.

"It's a concern to me, like it's a concern to everyone," Susan Kishel tells us as she holds her little guy.

"There won't be as many gifts under the tree this year, but we're trying to be smart about what we get and have them for the kids only," says Beth Schwartz keeping a close eye on her two kiddos.

"I know moms are stressed about the economy and family life," says Brook Berg, the executive director of the Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County.

But, Berg says there are ways to talk to your kids without passing your worries on to the little ones.

"Whenever we talk to parents, we tell them to be open and honest with their children,” she says. “I think a lot of times parents don't want to let kids know that money is tight. But, it's OK to say to kids 'I’m sorry we don't have extra money for that toy you want because we're going to spend it on the phone or heat bill this month.’"

Berg says it's also important to take the opportunity to teach your kids about saving and spending, even ahead of Christmas, and even when they're still content to buy fake food with fake money.

"I don't think it was hard because it's realistic. I’d rather teach them early on that this is life and it's going to be crunch time sometimes," Elvig says.

All three moms also stressed the importance of finding fun free things to do with your kids; things like playing house, playing music, playing dress-up, or getting outside and playing kickball. They said the main thing is just spending time together as a family.