Christmas is a worry yes of course i would love to spend loads even a little on presents for my family but on the money i have i cant i dont think it disappoints them as they know my situation but to be honest it disappoints me.
2006-11-08 19:47:28 · 23 answers · asked by Carol B 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
No no no!! That's really not what it's about!! I'm sure your family are aware that you're not flush! They'd much rather have your company around the Christmas period than lots of material thing! I'm sure they'd be devastated if they knew how worried you were about it! Just get them a small item each for them to open that suits their personalities/hobbies!
2006-11-08 19:53:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm in the same situation, and have already jokingly prepped my family that they will be recieving hugs and kisses from me this christmas! I will get something small/ make something for them, but I qualified as a teacher in July, they know the efforts I have made to find a job, I am now working in a shop, a pub as well as doing supply work, and still have little money to spare. They won't think any less of you for being unable to buy them much, and would rather you didn't spend money you don't have on them. I know exactly how you feel, but find other ways to make them feel special; make time to spend with them and enjoy this as it is more important than presents, and they will appreciate that, cook them their fave cake/ biscuits whatever, promise your nan to do some gardening for her, take the kids on an outing and be silly with them for a day, find a special photo to frame for your mum, their are heaps of things that you can do to make their day without costing loads. Happy Christmas
2006-11-08 19:54:38 · answer #2 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Big business is doing its best to make you feel guilty about not spending enough and every year people go mad buying things nobody needs.
Christmas is for small children.
Most people have more than enough already.
There is no need for you to go into hock to buy expensive and pointless things, only to suffer financially for months after it.
The more people who take this stance the less worry and serious debt there would be.
Your family know you are not wealthy and should not expect you to go overboard.
The important things in life are love and kinship.
Shame on big business for doing this to ordinary people.
You do what you can and have a lovely Christmas.
2006-11-08 20:06:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi :-)
They shouldn't think any less of you at all. Lots of people (my mum, sisters and myself included) find this time of year really hard going, but I agree that as long as you put thought in to what you do get them it doesnt matter how much it costs. I love the idea (as above :-) ) of making stuff, even little boxes with handmade sweets or biscuits. Hand decorated things or even just a really nice handmade card, give out IOU vouchers if you want, like promise to take someone out for a picnic, or your kids to the sea side for the day (with fish and chips!). Buy some wool and some big knitting needles and knit people scarfs (even I can do it so it must be easy!), they only cost the price of the wool, and you can get some really nice wools in discount shops. My mum loved her one last year and everyone asks where she got it, and I think it makes her happy to tell people her daughter made it for her and to know how much effort went into making it.
And you definately shouldnt be disapointed with yourself. They know that if you had all the money in the world you'd spend it on them. :-) It's definately the thought that counts at this time of year. Family is what is important, not presents!
2006-11-08 20:04:45 · answer #4 · answered by Tilly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Carol...
I feel for you...well it did happened to me once...it's that most awful feeling just to watch my parents so happy opening my brothers presents and what I got them absolutely nothing...It was the lowest lowest point in my life.
So I thought Right I must do something!! Well I got thinking...I thought hey why don't I sell stuff that I don't need...I got myself registered with Ebay and Paypal (It'll only take a few minutes) I went into my bedroom and started putting things together that I wanted to sell..
Next day I put all my stuff on Ebay and you know what, it worked...I made a great profit...And I don't sell things just to make money for Christmas but to earn an living.
I see a message from someone there,"Go into Ebay because the stuff cheap" Well my advice Carol,If you want to buy stuff from Ebay, because it's cheaper, but just remember you have postage and package to pay. So the item not that kind of cheap.
But before I go Carol, I want to wish you all the best and Good Luck for this Christmas.
2006-11-08 20:20:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can't genuinely afford it, and they know that to be the case, then they are in the wrong not you. Some people think that Christmas is all about the value of presents and have forgotten its all about love.
You can choose your friends but can't choose your relatives. If they are so mean, do you need to keep in contact with them? Think about this seriously as family members can be the nastiest of people and its only your loyalty that keeps you together and THEY PLAY ON IT. If your life would be better without them then stop calling on them. You will soon find out if they value you.
2006-11-08 20:23:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, of course not. If you don't have the money they would probably feel awkward taking loads of expensive stuff off you anyway, if you can't do it they should still love you anyway. The above answer is right too. If you want ot do something nice, remember even a bottle of bubble bath nicely hand wrapped with ribbon will look great and show you care!
2006-11-08 19:56:39 · answer #7 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A very good way around this is to MAKE your gifts: when people see how much time and thought you have given to them, they forget all about money.
It could be a little book with photographs of the family, or a picture, or knitting an oven-mitt. It doesn't matter what the gift is as long as you have made it with LOVE!
2006-11-08 20:01:24 · answer #8 · answered by simon2blues 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i know exactly where your coming from everyone else say dont worry about us but you do?
To be honest with you our familys respect us more the way we are then they would if we did have the money to splash out. Think after a while we would only end up not knowing what to get them because wed got them everything.
Be happy this xmas we are what we are our time will come
2006-11-08 19:52:39 · answer #9 · answered by emma c 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is not about the size or amount you spend on presents, it is the thought that counts..... Don't be disappointed your time will come!
2006-11-08 19:57:40 · answer #10 · answered by Bruce d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋