How do I tell my kids that there wont be much of a Christmas, due to no money?

Question

I recently started a new job, and I am playing the catch up game on bills. My previous job was a good paying job while they had accounts to work but my hours ended up getting cut way back, so the paychecks dwindled down. Now that I have a new job, I'm making more money, but the bills dont seem to be getting smaller. I want to do something for my kids, at least have something under the tree for them. I'm really depressed about this, but I feel my main priorty should be to get caught up on all these bills. Please help me!

Answer 1

First, let me say, I think you are VERY SMART to realize that paying your bills is important, and while I am not a fan of telling children ALL the GORY details of parents private troubles with money, sometimes a simple explanation and a plan can help to greatly increase a childs awareness and be delivered with a message. A child knowing that a parent take the bills as serious business, is likely to instill the same in their children by EXAMPLE, and in a few years may pay the parent more dividends than expected, as the child learns to not self gratify, but to delay that for a purpose, such as a good credit rating, college, regular tv VS a plasma color tv on credit. So sit them down, I don't know what ages they are, but you can say something like "Children, money is a little tight this year, and I just can't pay the bills AND do a big Christmas, so can you each come up with one gift, that you just have your heart set on, instead of a whole bunch of toys? Or maybe give them the realistic budget and divey the amount between them and tell them, they each can pick something in THAT range for Christmas. Maybe some handmade gifts? OR one even better, can you pick someone to make Christmas for even LESS fortunate than yourselves? There is no points to be gained for giving your family until it hurts financially, but yet people do it and build up unrealistic expectations of gifting that loses the true meaning of love and the Christmas spirit. Giving is good, receiving is good, but there are lessons in both that should not be lost on either. I think you are wise to realize the essentials of bills (shelter, food, utilities) must come first and that in itself is a valuable lesson. Good luck with your Christmas and I hope its very very Merry!

Answer 2

I'd call some agencies and see if you qualify so that your kids can have some gifts for Christmas. There are so many charities at Christmas time. Call any large church to find out where the charities in your area are located. I personally "adopt" a family every Christmas season to buy toys, coats, and food for once a year through my church. You can also call Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, etc. You are absolutely right, though, the bills come first...that is how you keep your children with a roof over their head, a warm meal each day, and clothes on their backs. That is the greatest gift you could give them. If your children are over 8 years old, they will understand this if you tell them. If they are under 5 or 6, though, you should try to get them each one toy from "Santa."

Answer 3

You don't say how old your kids are but I had the same problem when I got divorced and relocated to another state. My kids were used to having a big Christmas and I was very depressed that on top of the hard time they were having with the divorce, they would not be having a great Christmas either. I just bought a few inexpensive things and tried to explain to them (they were 8, 10 and 12) that we just didn't have the money for a big Christmas. I had always tried to keep the focus on Jesus as the reason for Christmas, so we attended a lot of religious ceremonies and did a lot of free things like baking cookies and riding all over town looking at the lights. By Christmas morning, they had adjusted to the idea and even though I felt terrible, they handled it like little troopers. I had to keep reminding myself that Christmas was not about a lot of expensive presents and that for the first time my children really focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Now they continue the traditions of our "broke Christmas" as it has become affectionately known, with their own children. Don't worry, you are being a responsible parent and doing what is best for your kids. Keep your head up.

Answer 4

Don't be depressed, society is ruining a lot of people i've noticed, with letting go of their jobs, and it's sickening. What I would do if you don't have the money is simply sit all your kids down, and just tell them the situation, but............. what I think would be more memorable would be for all of you to "make" this years gifts. Get some arts and crafts, and be original. Also, bake a few cakes together with them. Christmas is so "materialistic" anyway, it's a joke anymore. Most spoiled little rich kids get bored of these stupid toys in a week, it's just their parents try to buy them happiness, but it doesn't work. The real meaning of Christmas is to be a family, and share good times. I think if you take this advice, it will not only make your kids better people and understand meaning of christmas, but it may be the most memorable one yet. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

p.s. Gifts are nothing but Gifts. :)

Answer 5

Tough one. Call your local churches and talk to the pastor. They will have gifts for your children wrapped and deliver them to your door.Before Christmas. Do this now. It doesn't matter which church you call. And they are discreet. Everyone gets down on their luck at times. Your bills have to be paid. But this is Christmas. Some bills will get a little less than what you usually give. That one phone call and you making a little extra effort will make due. Do not tell your children this. Visit your local dollar shop. And the churches work with organizations such as the Salvation army etc. So call the church. Have a Merry Christmas!

Answer 6

There are no reasons to actually tell your kids about your money situation. Depending on how old your kids are. I am in the same boat as you are and I have just bought a movie, cheap board games, and some cars. I'm sure that there are toys that are cheap enough to buy your kids. Also, depending on how old your kids are, they really will not know that certain things come from you! My son is 5 and he forgets about the things that we get him as soon as the next present is open from someone else. I would definitely catch up on your bills as best you can and then find some cheap toys. "Kid Connection" toys at Wal-mart are great too! Good luck! Best wishes to you and your family for this Holiday season!

Answer 7

Contact the Toys for Tots group....or some of your local churches, United Way.....there has got to be somebody out there that would help you. Now is not the time for you to go in debt. I conmend you for wanting to pay off your bills and get ahead. Perhaps you could even make something for your kids? I can remember some slim Christmases we had.....but you know what? The thing that stayed in my mind was not what we didn't have...but what we HAD. I really wish the best for you and your kids. Good luck!

Answer 8

I would talk to your kids about the true meaning of Christmas and that gifts are a very small part of the holiday. Explain to them that things are tight right now but you love them very much and hope they will understand that Christmas may be smaller this year because of it. I think this could end up being a positive and teach them the real spirit of the season.

Answer 9

Christmas is not about money. It is about family gathering and telling each other how much glad you are for having them in your life. You can start off by saying Santa will be arriving a bit late this year, but on the one ahead he will bring lots of gifts. Also take your kids to one of those places where they give out toys, and ask your family, friends for additional help. Ask them to give you children toys instead of regular gifts. Good luck and remember; Christmas is about the birth of baby Jesus, not about gifts and toys.

Good luck on your new job.

Answer 10

Maybe if you are crafty with sewing or arts you could paint their portait or make them a rag doll, if you ahve small children. Not all toys are very expensive. And theres always the clearance isle, I woudl suggest Walmart and Big Lots, and what about having your family do a secret santa so they could take part in the christmas giving as well as recieving they could make their own gifts for whoever they are secret santa for.as a child we were use to getting second hand items and dollar store dolls and toys for chsritmsas but it was the meanign that our parents took the time to think of us that meant the most. also mayb those little letters from santa if your children still believe in him.