We've been having such a rough time financially this last half of the year that we won't be having Christmas. My son is 8 & my daughter is 4. He has been questioning the existance of a real Santa for sometime but still believes. Yes we have taught him the true meaning & he tells me all the time that Christmas is about Jesus and giving but that still won't change the fact that there will be nothing under the tree Christmas morning. How do I tell them so they won't be totally heartbroken?? How would you tell YOUR CHILD before it happened that he/she had to wake up Christmas morning to nothing??
2006-12-07 04:35:21 · 26 answers · asked by mindy m 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
There should be some programs around where you live that you can get free toys from. Try the salvation army or look on the Internet. If you don't want to do that just explain what is going on. Tell them since you missed it this year that maybe for their birthday or next Christmas that they will get something extra special.
2006-12-07 04:53:29 · answer #1 · answered by irish20 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call me silly if you like but I'm 26 and still believe in Santa, now let me explain. I know the guy in the mall, dressed up in his beard and suit is not Santa. I believe in Santa in a sense that everyone can have a nice Christmas. Gifts do not have to be over the top or very expensive. I agree with prior posts that all children should have something under the tree Christmas morning and you should contact your local churches, etc.
I was raised very poor and still managed to have nice Christmas's. Remember to love each other and be thankful for what you do have. Explain to your eight year old that things are very tight this year and what he gets for Christmas may not be what he is wishing for but remember that they were given with lots of love and the best of intentions.
You may not have a lot, but there are alot of people that have less, remember that, and maybe share your Christmas with the homeless and/or elderly.
Silver lining - your kids won't be raised as spoiled brats thinking that Christmas is all about what they get.
Have faith & believe
2006-12-07 12:53:22 · answer #2 · answered by nicole3208 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Have you appealed to the Salvation Army or a similar organization? You are a bit late, but there are plenty of people out there to help. Get on the phone right away.
Otherwise, can you not go to the dollar store or Target or Marshalls or somewhere and invest $5 or so in a puzzle? Can you not find a babysitting job or something to bring in a few extra bucks for the holiday?
If you are absolutely not going to be able to celebrate Christmas at all, why put up a tree? Why set your family up for disappointment? Christmas Day is just an arbitrary date on the calendar and could be celebrated at any time when things get better.
Tell your boys that you are going to celebrate "Christmas in July."
2006-12-07 12:44:15 · answer #3 · answered by kramerdnewf 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like many have already said, there are many, many different programs that you can sign up for that will help families with very low incomes. Go to a local church or similar organization, and they should be able to help.
If you do not wish to share your financial information with an organization like this, or if it is too late in the year, you can always make Christmas special with little, to no money at all. You can find things around the house to make crafts, set up games for the kids, do something fun together on Christmas Day, like visiting a church for caroling, etc. There is always a way to make Christmas special.
As for me, I believe that your children need the imagination and hope that there truly is a Santa, especially because of your time of need. Do not crush their dreams, and also their stomachs and hearts at the same time. Make up more fairy tales, stories, etc to keep their minds in their imaginations. They will be able to play together more easily during your hardships without the need of toys and electronics.
Just hang in there, and make Christmas fun for the whole family. Visit many different shows, etc. Local churches always have great free family functions during the Christmas holidays.
Merry Christmas, and your family will be in my prayers.
2006-12-07 13:07:38 · answer #4 · answered by Marisa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I told my children last Christmas right after they opened their presents they were so happy about their stuff they did not care. This year they know up front they are getting money from us to buy what they want. They were 10 and 7 though. Can a 4yr. old handle it? Get some books on Santa from the library, like the legend of Santa Claus. He did exist, he just died many years ago. Are you sure your family won't be buying them toys. What about Toys for tots or local churches or something. Now I'm wondering who have I been donating toys to if not wonderful people like you. Our local police department does a toy drive, try them or the fire department. I'm sorry. The holiday season puts undue pressure on hard-working parents.
2006-12-07 12:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, he doesn't have to wake up to nothing. Every child deserves a gift on Christmas morning, that is the meaning of it all. If you can't afford it, try your local church, Toys for Tots, or salvation army.
As for Santa vs. Jesus. My husband and I decided before we had kids that we would put an emphasis on Jesus, NOT Santa. Our son is now 15 months, so still too young to be influence by it all but we still agree on our decision.
Here's an idea...tell your son that Santa is overloaded and asked Jesus to help? Or asked you to help? I don't know, just an idea.
2006-12-07 12:40:12 · answer #6 · answered by Fashionista 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you don't tell them...if you really can't afford a little something, there are programs you can sign up for that will sponcer your family for christmas. Do you belong to a church...see if they can help by putting you in contact with one of those programs. And if your kiddos are disapointed this year just explain to them the the elves ran out of time to make enough toys or santa must have had a hole in his bag or something...you could right a note to them from santa that basically gives them an IOU or explaining what happened. I mean, to tell them there is no santa at 4 is a little harsh...maybe you could tell your son but I wouldn't tell my daughter at 6 even though she questions.
I will keep you and your family in my payers...
2006-12-07 12:43:33 · answer #7 · answered by MonsterMom 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local churches or schools for hamper drives. That is what they are for to help people that have had a bad year make it through Christmas. You shouldn't have to tell your children if they do still believe in Santa...its such a magic time for them.
2006-12-07 15:11:45 · answer #8 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you ~ I'm somewhat in the same boat . However Ihave gone to the salvation army and the pta of my childrens school is also helping out- maybe your school has a similar program, the salvation army is a good suggestion as all over the country they have toy drives ( toys for tots ect...) I honestly don't think you should tell your children there is no Santa- Santa IS in all of us.
Blessed Be and May your holidays be warm and bright
2006-12-07 12:49:07 · answer #9 · answered by ddegraw2001 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I dont think you should ever tell your children there is NO santa, thats the the greatness about your children's imagination. Telling them there is no santa will sadden them more than ever. i would never tell my child that. i would just say that santa is sick this year and wont be giving present until he gets better. try going to places that have nice gifts for cheap, i understand where your coming from becuz i had a lot of financial problems, but there is always a way to fix things. just keep your head up and always bring the joy of santa into your home. have faith:)
2006-12-07 12:44:13 · answer #10 · answered by jackie 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋