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Xmas spirit is hard

cc1824

By cc1824
in 2009

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cc1824

cc1824

Posted
Posted

Hi everyone, sorry having a bad year and had to cut my budget into like what seems nothing and its so depressing.

 

Income stinks right now and there has been no major good jobs out there, are others finding it hard to get in the xmas mood due to finances? I just don't even want xmas to come.

 

This will be the first bf I will not be able to shop, its sad.

 

I hope the rest of you enjoy your day I will surely miss it.

 

CC

georgiapeach717

georgiapeach717

Posted
Posted

CC i have been there before and can totally relate. My only advise is to try and really get into the spirit by doing things that are (near) free. Like driving to look at christmas lights, seeing if your city has any free christmas events, and even just playing board games sipping hot chocolate and listening to christmas music. I know it still doesnt bring in the christmas cash, but it can make you enjoy the things you have for free that much more. Maybe also volunteer in a soup kitchen or nursing home and spend time with people who have no one the other 364 days a year.

 

I am sorry that this year has been so crumy, and like I said, I know exactly what you are feeling. I hope that things look up for you soon and that you can still make some christmas memories this year to smile on in the future.

 

Lots of Love!

:gdconsoling1:

Guest purpleangel

Guest purpleangel

Posted
Posted
I lost my job nearly six months ago so I understand your position but I continue to remain positive. Money is tight for my family this year but I am really learning how to bargain shop and use coupons so we can have a decent Christmas for the kids. Every morning I wake up and thank God that I have family, life, health and strength. Some of my neighbors have lost their homes to foreclosure so I am very thankful that we still have a roof over our heads. You should definately volunteer at a shelter so you can get a since of how blessed you really are b/c you could be homeless, etc. Being unemployed for the first time in my adult life has taught me to be resourceful and to be thankful for what I do have instead of crying about what I don't have. In reality, this is the best time of the year to be unemployed b/c you don't have to worry about how much vacation/sick time you have left and can really spend quality time with family. I am really going to try to enjoy the holidays with my family and start pounding the pavements in January! Good luck and God bless you!
Guest purpleangel

Guest purpleangel

Posted
Posted
Also, if you are looking to make a little extra money over the next month or so check with ups. they are hiring delivery driver helpers for Nov and December and the hours seem very flexible. I applied today and have an interview on next Wednesday. I plan to do it while my kids are at school.
dealluvr

dealluvr

Posted
Posted

Hi everyone, sorry having a bad year and had to cut my budget into like what seems nothing and its so depressing.

 

Income stinks right now and there has been no major good jobs out there, are others finding it hard to get in the xmas mood due to finances? I just don't even want xmas to come.

 

This will be the first bf I will not be able to shop, its sad.

 

I hope the rest of you enjoy your day I will surely miss it.

 

CC

i am like this almost every year but i go to people watch and as always to always get my black friday coffee maker.i see target has them for $3 wal mart is usually $4 i never buy anything big but just being out there with everyone is kind of nice. i have a hard time getting in the spirit so this helps i always say anything under $5 isnt going to break me

cc1824

cc1824

Posted
  • Author
Posted

thanks for the good ideas guys. Its not like I've never been in this mess before, but its been awhile since I had to struggle so hard, but i'm going to keep my chin up and hope for a part-time job for the holidays to make ends meet. I myself don't need anytihng for xmas, it was just the kids I was worried about. But were going to explain it to them tonight and hopefully they will understand. I am thankful for what I have. Last year at xmas we lost my FIL and it was very hard to deal with.

 

So far todaymy t-day dinner will be a lil easier, instead of buying everything myself I have delegated dishes out to our guests so you could say were doing "pot luck". ha ha

 

thanks again for cheering me up.

 

CC

jb2013

jb2013

Posted
Posted

Also, if you are looking to make a little extra money over the next month or so check with ups. they are hiring delivery driver helpers for Nov and December and the hours seem very flexible. I applied today and have an interview on next Wednesday. I plan to do it while my kids are at school.

They hire you instantly, they need the people if i didnt have job id go for that!

vsa3janes

vsa3janes

Posted
Posted

I have struggled finanically most of my adult life but even when things were at what I thought was there worse it all worked out. I am a firm believer in God provides. We have always had shelter, food, a car, money for gas and clothing. Most of all love. Some way there were always gifts under the tree.

 

If things are really bad contact a local charity about gifts for the kids. The Salvation Army does gift trees for kids that families need help. The gifts come to them from Santa.

 

We adopt a family at work each year from a local non profit center that helps families down on their luck. The family always ends up with 2 outfits, pjs, shoes, coats, and at least 3 toys from the kids wish list. Plus food and toiletries. Of course, these children aren't wishing for xboxs, ds, or expensive gifts. They list things like Transformers, Power Rangers, baby dolls and lego.

 

How old are your kids? Do you have family that will give gifts to them?

 

As a job tip, my nephew lost his job and was just hired to stock shelves overnight at Target. He interviewed on Thursday and started Friday.

tn20

tn20

Posted
Posted

Aw, I'm sorry, CC. *Hugs*

 

In the 7 years that DH and I have been married, he has been laid off 4 times (we live in an area where MANY of the jobs tie in with the timber industry, which has gone from bad to worse with the housing market the way it is), so I know how it feels to struggle financially.

 

We thought we were going to be doing well this Holiday season, but out of nowhere, he got cut back to 7 days total this month. In an effort for everyone to keep their insurance, the days are spread out in a way that prevents drawing uninsurance. :( I'm trying to "look on the bright side" and think about all the family time we'll have this month. I don't have the same worries as you (about your kiddos gifts), though, because I bought clearance items all year long. I would be a lot more stressed out if I had to come up with gifts for my kids, though.

 

I would really try to emphasize the things that PPs have mentioned... things that are free (or darn near) and really do mean the most (looking at Christmas lights, watching Christmas movies, playing board games, baking cookies together).

 

How old are your kids, if you don't mind my asking?

kklracing

kklracing

Posted
Posted
This is a bad year for us too. My husband was unemployed for 10 months, starting last fall (GM car business). He FINALLY got a job and two weeks later I was laid off unexpectedly after 14 years with the company. 2 months later hubby's new job laid him off too. Besides both of us being out of work now, we found out that him working those two months lowered his unemployment by $400 a month! We are doing everything we can to keep our house. It's hard to be happy, but we can only think of how it could be worse. Keep your chin up and try to be thankful. I know it's hard. On the days that are really hard, remember that tomorrow is a new day :-)
rogue1230

rogue1230

Posted
Posted

thanks for the good ideas guys. Its not like I've never been in this mess before, but its been awhile since I had to struggle so hard, but i'm going to keep my chin up and hope for a part-time job for the holidays to make ends meet. I myself don't need anytihng for xmas, it was just the kids I was worried about. But were going to explain it to them tonight and hopefully they will understand. I am thankful for what I have. Last year at xmas we lost my FIL and it was very hard to deal with.

 

So far todaymy t-day dinner will be a lil easier, instead of buying everything myself I have delegated dishes out to our guests so you could say were doing "pot luck". ha ha

 

thanks again for cheering me up.

 

CC

 

You go girl!!!! We are skipping Turkey day all together.... we are moving to a smaller home, due to my employment challenged status.

 

I do the same thing about entertainment.... taking DS to look at local light displays, decorations at the mall......

 

Hang in there!

dealluvr

dealluvr

Posted
Posted

this might be the poorest holiday ever for me and the boys.i have an idea to get at least 1 of them if not both a portable dvd player maybe for the car .i think they would use it on breaks at school and work.

they are over 20 have jobs mostly get their own clothes but now they are helping with everything since i am out of work,again,

they have their own car what in the world can i get them besides socks and underwear

 

i can maybe afford $100 for each of them maybe not even that any ideas?

Marcster

Marcster

Posted
Posted

A car care kit can easily be put together for far less than $100:

  • Car wash concentrate
  • Vinyl cleaner (Armor All)
  • Glass cleaner
  • Bug/tar remover
  • A wash mit
  • Tire dressing
  • Wheel cleaner
  • Car Wax
  • Wax applicator sponges
  • Some microfiber towels
  • The Absorber (brand) synthetic chamois

Put all of the items in a mik crate available from Walmart and other stores (so it all stays together and is ready to be carried outside). If the boys live at home yet then they could share a car care kit...

 

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Vehicles/CarWashr.gif

steph3306

steph3306

Posted
Posted

Well it sounds to me if your boy's are willing to help you then you raised some great boys!! Remember Christmas isn't always about the gifts. I have a friend who is divorced and can not get her son much and his dad always gets him outrageous gifts. I always tell her, the gifts are going to be forgotten by next year but making cookies, watching movies, decorating etc... will be remembered forever by your child!!

 

I am sure they probably don't want you to spend much. Marcster's idea is great!!

dealluvr

dealluvr

Posted
Posted

Well it sounds to me if your boy's are willing to help you then you raised some great boys!! Remember Christmas isn't always about the gifts. I have a friend who is divorced and can not get her son much and his dad always gets him outrageous gifts. I always tell her, the gifts are going to be forgotten by next year but making cookies, watching movies, decorating etc... will be remembered forever by your child!!

 

I am sure they probably don't want you to spend much. Marcster's idea is great!!

wow thanks!!!that statement made my day! i agree it isnt about the presents thanks again:D

mom2monkiesx3

mom2monkiesx3

Posted
Posted

I would take a deep breath and realize that gifts are not the reason for Christmas. You sound like a great mom and I think the best gift you could give your boys would be to take this Christmas off. They will understand and they will be grateful that you did not spend money that you could use otherwise.

 

If you feel like you have to do SOMETHING. I'd make/bake their favorite treats and give them a big platter of them or if they are also struggling finacially this year (who isn't?) then a care package with shaving stuff, bathroom essentials, ect would be a nice gift that they'd get alot of use out of AND would help them in the long run by saving money...You could watch walgreens ads and coupons and really pick up these things super cheap and make a big ol' basket full of them (think care packages for soldiers)

Kash58

Kash58

Posted
Posted
This is also a very sad and true story for alot of us, as I am faced with the same situation...but I also have about 30 people coming over for a family Christmas get-together, I am sure we will just make do, and appreciate the time together even more! I know that my guests also will be bringing food and snacks etc...there will be many children around and just to see them have a great time will be priceless! Mine are old enough to understand but as parents we always want to lavish them with gifts. My daughter says "Don't worry about it Mom" maybe our kids really do understand this more then we think. I hope and pray that things get better for you and all of us that are floating along in the same boat.....I agree with all of the other suggestions.......care packages are always nice!!!
inluvstill

inluvstill

Posted
Posted

Well it sounds to me if your boy's are willing to help you then you raised some great boys!! Remember Christmas isn't always about the gifts. I have a friend who is divorced and can not get her son much and his dad always gets him outrageous gifts. I always tell her, the gifts are going to be forgotten by next year but making cookies, watching movies, decorating etc... will be remembered forever by your child!!

 

I am sure they probably don't want you to spend much. Marcster's idea is great!!

Absolutely agree...wonderfully said! :yup:

JohnnyLaRue

JohnnyLaRue

Posted
Posted

I think you can purchase my minor league hockey card for 20 cents or less. I will even autograph it for free. :P I'd like to think my autograph makes the card priceless. LOL

 

Seriously though I agree with the above (Marcsters idea is good) and as long as the gift is thoughtful. Maybe cook them their favorite meal?

allshoppedout

allshoppedout

Posted
Posted

I think all of the previous ideas mentioned are very good....

 

my idea would be to maybe have a special 12 days of Christmas for them. . Instead of 1 big material present, what if you did something (for each of them individually) for 12 days in the month of December. You can discuss the days, so there isn't a schedule conflict/they will be in town/ home... and you aren't barging in on their dates...

 

Because you are not working, you may have some extra time and that can be a wonderful thing:D

Just a few ideas (and I don't know if they live in their own place...)

~Do a maid service 1 or 2 times, go over to their place/up to their room and really clean it like a service might do, leave a mint/their favorite magazine on their pillow....

~cook them a favorite meal :gdlicklips:

~favorite baked good another day

~wash their car/take it to carwash, put the airfreshner in it yourself, also how about stocking the car with some things only mom's might think of.....some tissues, antibacterial, a little trash bin, sunglass holder, crossword to do when in traffic...how about if you buy them a CD of comedian, they can laugh while stuck in traffic jam..

 

~do they have a pet, you could be the "pet resort" take the pet, bath it, walk it, give it a night away from their place

~how about if you'd decorate a bit for them??

~pick up dry-cleaning if they use that .....

~do laundry, fold and put away, like you did when they were little.

~ stop by their job and bring them a homemade lunch....or if that is too embarrassing --order 1 or 2 pizzas for them to share.

~ movie tickets & go with them, eat popcorn, be a kid.

~ can you stock their fridge? bar? a few bottles of wine/case of beer, N. Years is just after Christmas...

~ just run some errands, drop off some bills, pick up some food, get $20 of gas in their tank

 

I am pretty sure, that for years to come, they will remember the Christmas when mom did all these personal, caring things for them. :heart:

dtdoda

dtdoda

Posted
Posted

A friend used to give "Meal a Month" certificates.

 

Every month, she would cook up a really nice meal and deliver it to the recipient.

 

That was very popular!

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