Sunday, November 20: Toy Test 2005
Commentary by Erin Breen: "When you think back over Christmases gone by, what do you remember?"

We took a look at the ads….and then put the toys to the test!

KNPB Channel 5’s 2005 Toy Test asked the kids what they thought of the toys…and also talked with the adults about how all the advertising aimed at kids effects kids, families and the holidays. Join us for a look at the toys before your buy.  We’ll also look back at how Christmas has changed over the years.  And we’ll take a look ahead to how you may to really help make some Christmas wishes come true.

Guests:

• Dr. Melissa Burnham is a Professor of Family Studies and  Human Development at the University of Nevada Reno.  She feels that the biggest problem with the holidays is that we pack it all into a month, instead of instilling a sense of family and community caring year-round. She talks with her 4 year old about wants and needs trying to help him understand the difference.  And she consciously limits TV time throughout the yerr.
• Jackie Shelton is a Partner in Realife Marketing and has been in public relations and advertising for years.  She is also the editor of the Washoe School’s Family Magazine.  But her most important job is mom to her young boys 6 and 8.  She talks with them about how advertising works to get people to buy things, how special effects work in movies and how subtle lighting and music can enhance emotions in the media. In her family all adult gifts over the holidays are homemade… which she says has helped make the holidays and gift giving much more meaningful.
• Santa… is the jolliest of old elves around. Jim Berry had a near-calling to take on the role of Santa Claus more than 15 years ago.  He began by wanting to bolster the magic of the holiday for kids and families, but his role has grown over the years.  Not only does he ring in the holidays for the Hometown Christmas Celebration in Sparks, he and his wife ‘Hazel’ have started a nonprofit organization called ‘The Santa Cause’ which collects money, toys ,clothing and food which is distributed to hundreds of  families in need in the Truckee Meadows every year.

This Year’s Toy Testers:

• Spencer — 10 years old
• Emma — 6 years old
• Paul — 7 years old
• Jeremy — 7 years old
• Ellen — 9 years old
• Meghan — 10 years old
• Johnny — 13 years old
• Michael — 13 years old