Three kids - no Christmas- I need prayer and help?

Question

For the first time in my life, I find myself in a finanical mess. And because of my short comings I have three children 2 boys ages 11-12 and a 1 girl 14 who will for the first time in thier lives have no Christmas. I've always done well to provide, but this year being the only income in the house it caught up with me. partly my fault, partly not. I pray everyday that the good lord will just get me through the holidays and maybe the kids wont even notice.. but I cant very well believe that since they are already asking for all the things I can not give....I've never asked for help on here.. but I really need it now... Please pray that the good lord will not let these kids hearts be saddened but that they may understand the reality of life and that wsometimes electric and water and food in the house is much more important then that new pair of jeans or that new game system.... Pray for my family please.

Answer 1

You need a job

Answer 2

I can definitely identify with your problem. We have had a few hardships this year that might result in my stepson getting very few gifts this year. Some people on here will tell you that gifts are not what Christmas is about. Well... I guess they haven't had to constantly worry about seeing the disappointment in their child's face on Christmas morning. Truth is all children look forward to Christmas because they are getting presents. I know I did as a child. If I woke up on Christmas morning and I had no gifts I would have been devastated. Children are selfish, not because they want to be, they just don't understand the value of a dollar. They don't understand not having any money because we do all we can to hide the fact we don't have any. Your situation is a little bit different from mine because they are older. I am assuming they don't still believe in you know who. My stepson still does and that has caused me to worry even more. I am going to have a garage sale and use the money to buy his gifts. If that doesn't work, then I'll have to borrow the money from someone until I can pay them back. Maybe there is someone in your family that can help you out. If not, the Salvation Army or a church in your area is the best route. I will pray for you and your family to have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.

Answer 3

Of course I will include you in my prayers. But I do hope, despite all your worry and sadness, you will look on this for the opportunity it can be to teach your kids that there can be something wonderful and spiritual about Christmas -- a closeness of family and a warm feeling of heart, that isn't found in the gifts. You can do this with virtualy no money. It's about what you do with them during this season that matters. One thing to remember is that with all the charity groups out there, there is really no reason for any children to go completely without at Christmas. Someone in your area will provide for them if you simply see to it that their names are submitted. And there always a group handing out the food itmes to make a wonderful holiday meal. So you won't have to go without that. But, honestly, why not see what you and your kids can do for others (with your time and talent and your presence rather than presents!) this holiday season, and your hearts will be so full that you will not have much time to worry over what you do not have yourselves. Your kids are definitely old enough to get this message and appreciate it. If my message sounds trite, please know that I have "been there" and have practiced what I am preaching when my kids were a good bit younger than yours. They are 18 and 19 and remember well that not all Christmasses are created financially equal and that sometimes you just enjoy the family and the spirit of giving yourself to someone who has (believe it or not) even less than you do.

Answer 4

Don't be above asking for help. I've been there, and it wasn't good, but I sucked it up, and asked for help.

First, contact your local social service type program (it's a federal program, but most places have different names- Department of Families & Children, Family Independant Agency, Social Services, etc). Ask them what programs there are in your county for helping to provide Christmas. They will have a list of some sort.

Next, contact churches, and see if any have individual programs.

Then, contact Salvation Army and ask about Toys for Tots (they provide stuff for kids up to 18- gift cards, cd's, cd players, movies, etc), as well as Angel Trees. Angel Trees will put your kids names on a Christmas Tree, and people adopt your child. They buy presents, then they will get them to Salvation Army, who will in turn get them to you for Christmas.

Don't be scared to ask, though. The worst thing they can do is tell you no, but with all those options, you'll find at least one that says yes.

You might also be able to find stuff like food pantries which will help you with every day food costs, too.

Answer 5

I will definitely pray for you and your kids. I am sorry this is a bad Christmas for you. Do you know you can reach out for help in your community? Please go to a local, bigger sized church and ask for help, if you don't already go to one. If you do go to church, they should offer some help if you ask. Also, contact all your local agencies and community centers for help. They provide, food, clothes and toys for kids. True, your kids may not get big expensive electronic things for Christmas, but they should get something to brighten their Christmas. Get out there and register everywhere you can think of that offers help. Do you have any family members that may be planning on buying your kids something for Christmas? That will help brighten the holidays a little. On Christmas, you could also have so much fun planned that your kids won't be too disappointed. Like you could get up and cook a nice simple, inexpensive breakfast and then have board game time, then have some hot chocolate. If it's snowing go out and build a snowman. Then come in for more hot chocolate and pop, some popcorn and watch a Christmas movie. There are lots on tv, or go to your local library and check out movies for free. Make a simple dinner that the kids can help cook. Get them in the action. Bake cookies with their help and let them decorate them. I really am praying for you and wish I could help. You could call your other single mom friends and see if they want to get together on Christmas. The kids will have friends to play with and will have fun. Oh, also drive around and look at the Christmas lights at night. You're in my prayers and thoughts.

Answer 6

I understand your situation very well. i hope and pray that things will work out for you and your children and your other family members so you all can have a great christmas. Christmas is the season for giving and helping others, it is also the season to be with family,friends,and loved ones. it is also the time of year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
You and i are kind of in the same situation. i don't have any children but i understand that it is hard at times especially now around christmas time. i don't have a job and i don't have any income at all. i have two little nephews,one is four years old, and one is going to be two years old in january. i wish there was some way i could buy them christmas presents, and my other family members also. because of my situation i can't. it breaks my heart because i love them all so much. i will pray for you and your family so you all will have a great Christmas this year. Thanks for sharing you r question with me.

Answer 7

There is no reason why you cannot have Christmas in your home and in your heart. If you have paper, you can do decorations, cards, etc. You can decorate a tree outside, or even bring in branches inside to decorate. See if there is a social service agency in your community from which you can get help, like the Salvation Army, or a church. I will be thinking of you. But you need to lead your children, and set a positive example for them. Going to a service on Christmas Eve is free, and that should make your holiday happier.

Answer 8

okay, my family has gone through something like that where we couldn't aford to buy new jeans. For this year for you, I would have everyone make homemade gifts. And hope for a better Easter. Maybe find inexpensive ways to make gifts. Even a paper ornament for the tree, if you have one. Or just get large construction paper if you don't have atree and cut it to the shape of a tree, and put paper ornaments on it. It probebly won't be as fun, but it sounds as though anything is more fun than less christmas. And i pray all through the day, and i will make sure to pray for you.

Answer 9

Just remember your in my prayers that someone would come along and help you. However, gifts aren't the real reason for Christmas. The real reason is the Christ Child and spending time with Family and friends. My husband and I have a rule if we get something during the year new we wrap it up in front of the camera. With this way it will allows not to feel left out.

Answer 10

I know what it is like to be disappointed at Christmas as a teenager, and my heart goes out to you and your children. I also know what its like to be the disappointing parent. I pray right now, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by his blood that you and your children have a joyous Christmas, that some decent and loving people come along and provide you the assistance that you need. I the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Please do not loose faith. the help that you require might not come until the last moment. Whatever occurs, it is all part of God's plan for you and your children----God has not left you nor will he forsake you. Jesus loves you. Walk with a heart of forgiveness.

Answer 11

This has happened and will probably happen to me again sometime, but think of this as an opportunity. An opportunity to really teach your kids about your faith and what christmas really means. You are praying to the good lord so I would think it would be important for you to really focus on that meaning of christmas and what it's like to give of yourself, volunteer at some places who are helping those who are worse off than you.

Yeah, presents are cool, and good, but giving of yourself is better, perhaps this is an opportunity to show that.