How am i gonna give my kids a Christmas? Advice please.?

Question

Hi, I just got out of a domestic violence situation after 9 years with my 2 kids 6&7. I am now a single mom; I make enough money to pay rent, utilities, insurance and food. I am so thankful fore that, the only problem is my kids are at an age where they want Christmas presents, and a tree, I can't afford either. I make too much to get social services; I don't have a penny left out of my check at the end of the month. Any Advice?

Answer 1

make simple colorful paper decorations out of paper to decorate your home, make sure you make that an activity. it can be so much fun for the kids.
here are some sites:
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/index.shtml
http://www.childfun.com/modules.phpname=News&file=article&sid=212
I think that your family is together and safe is the best present you can ever have. try explaining that to your kids. i really think they'd understand. besides, christams isn't about presents, it's about being with the ones you love, celebrating the season. and if you're religious, Christ. my heart goes out to you and your children. I went through domestic violence and i know how painful it can all be. the best of luck to you and your children! also, try making homemade presents for each other. [=
hope this helps.

Answer 2

Yes, ask a church if they would be willing to donate something for your kids. There are also organizations that give out gifts locally just search a little.
From what I understand also, you can write a letter to Santa. Believe it or not the post office will send it to a group/ organization that will try to help you out if you cannot afford it.
If there is a dollar store nearby maybe you can buy a few items for them. Some of them have little trees for a dollar.
If you still can't afford that you can draw a tree and use crayons or whatever you have to decorate it. And then for presents you can give them whatever you can.
Because the most important thing about Christmas isn't trees and presents but the spirit of giving and loving. I think this would be a great present for them if you could instill them just that.
Merry Christmas! And a thousand Happy New Year!

Answer 3

There are lots of charities you may want to look into. Such as the Salvation Army. In my city there is a radio station that has a program called "adopt a family" and things are donated for that. Go to wal-mart...they have a program in some cities where you can ask for gifts, and people will buy the things on your list to give to your children. Join a church, or maybe seek out help from a church. A lot of churches do charity work around this time. Do some research on the internet. Maybe work a part-time job some where specifically to put $$$ into the x-mas jar and don't touch it. Maybe you can only work one or two days a week, but if you start now and save here and there, maybe you will have enough to buy a few small gifts. You can even make a tree out of paper or card board, maybe put it up on the wall.

Answer 4

Tree - A lot of people have small artificial trees they don't use very often and are more-or-less forgotten in their garage. Ask some friends if they have one you can borrow, or know someone who has one you can borrow. Decorations can be homemade and lights are very cheap, if you want them at all.

Gifts - First, don't think that just because you don't qualify for Social Services, you are ineligble for private charities. Look up your local Blue Santa and see what other local charaties are out there, we have a local Radio Station that does a "Bikes for Kids" drive each Christmas for exactly like people like you. If you attend church, ask there if they have any assistance available.

And, don't be too proud to let others know your situation. My wife has a friend in her office who is struggling so we buys gifts for daughter every year. I am sure we are not the only one's who do this.

Answer 5

Try talking to someone at your local church or domestic violence center. All you can do it the best that you can you obviously got your children the most important gift which is a good home. Try using this Christmas as a way to get closer to your children and teach them what Christmas is really about. My guess is that they may wine a bit about not haing the best under the tree in the beginning but I can almost guarantee you that this Christmas will probally be the one that they tell all the stories about later.

Answer 6

There are many programs offered by Churches and Schools, and other organizations that assist Families that are no able to afford Christmas presents for their children. I believe Cathloic Services, The Salvation Army and The Secret Santa organizations are amongst some of the organizations that would be able to help you out. Good Luck and a Very Health and Happy Holiday to you and your Family. I hope this info was helpful. Also if you e-mail me I would be happy to send your children a gift too, and maybe a little something for Mom. God Bless you all.

Answer 7

There are a lot of programs to help, depending on where you live. Ask local churches, they are a lot of help, and have good advice to give on other resources you can tap into. Also kids love presents wrapped up, the more the better. so instead of trying to get expensive things do a lot of little things. the happiest time is tearing into the paper. Get them involved, have them make presents for each other. Bake cookies and cakes. Heat Cinnamon nutmeg and water on the stove to give the house a christmasie smell. The Internet has lots o cheap crafty ideas you can do with the kids. Use popcorn and paper chains to decorate.Don't be afraid to talk to them about whats going on, tell them you love them a billion times a day and be really really great full because you are blessed.

Answer 8

contact the salvation army or your local church or toys for tots or DCF.

by the way social services will help you. talk to your counselor. if you were involved in a domestic violence situation and they had to get involved then you have a counselor who will be able to help you get the things you need to give your children a good xmas regardless of your income

also something that isnt entirely related - food for thought; if you are living paycheck to paycheck what happens if you have an emergency and need to get your car repaired, or get meds for your children if they get a cold, or fix a flat tire, or buy your children new shoes?

dont extend yourself to the point that you have no extra money at the end of the month, consider a cheaper home and if you are renting an apartment they have complexes that are rent controlled based on your income

good luck

Answer 9

You could go to your nearest church and explain your situation. There always willing to help, also tell your kids school, the have a program called the "Red Hat" society. they help out alot, I've used them for over 4 years...I was in the same situation as you and my children never once even had any idea that mommy could'nt really afford x-mas, kids don't understand the whole idea of santa not having enough money. But if your unable to do anything else, the best gift that you could have ever given your children is YOU...and never forget or feel bad about that. Your doing your best and your best is enough...from one proud mom to another. MERRY CHRISTMAS HONEY!

Answer 10

See if Toys for Tots can help out.

Otherwise...do you have any family members like parents or brothers or sisters that can help with one toy?

Otherwise, try to do something special on Christmas versus give something. There are lots of things that you can do that don't cost much money. Maybe you can go for a ride or for a walk and look at Christmas lights and have a cup of hot chocolate together? Maybe you could work at a soup kitchen and help out others in more dire need than you are. Share time together.