Broke, unemployed and alone at Christmas?

Question

Well, let's see. I lost my job a couple of months ago, haven't found work yet and I am looking every single day. My family is 1200 miles away, and I live alone with no friends. Money is extremely tight, and if I don't find a job very soon, I will be homeless. I am thankful that I don't have children having to deal with this situation, that would be horrible...but it's bad enough. I used to make a very nice living and always splurged on my family and always sponsored a family at Christmas, and I enjoyed that. Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year...but this year I am depressed to the point getting out of bed is often a big accomplishment. I have cried so much my eyes hurt, and I try to not feel sorry for myself because I am thankful for my health and I am fortunate. What would you do if this happened to you at Christmas and how would you handle it? I am not looking for handouts, as they would be refused....just looking for some words of encouragement

Answer 1

You have my sympathy. What you are experiencing is a normal reaction to the situation you are in. Losing your job can disable you with fear and insecurity. I am not sure what your circumstances are that led you to be so far away. Is there a divorce involved?

Whatever is going on, it sounds like you may need to be treated for clinical depression. Don't wait. When I was in a situation similar to yuors, treatment was the only thing that saved my life.

As hard as it sounds, your best bet of not slipping further is to do what may not feel right for you: reach out to others. Can you ask any of your family for support of any kind? Are there any groups you feel even marginally a part of? Can you post a request on your local craigslist looking for non-romantic companionship during the holidays (many people are in the same situation, and the holidays are when us single people feel the most alone)? Can you volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen? Is a local group sponsoring a meal for people without means? Would it help you to volunteer some time at an animal shelter, walking and playing with dogs and cats?

I had to learn the hard way there is no shame is sometimes reaching out, even when you are used to being the one who is strong that everyone else relies on. Sometimes the caregiver needs a hug, and the host needs to be hosted. Give what you can emotionally, and try your best to make your Christmas this year non-material. Last year, I made candy and cookies, sent a Christmas letter wishing everyone the best the season had to offer, and donated just one dollar to a charity I believe in for each person on my list. I explained what the money was going to be used for, and how it fell in line with the true value of the season. Only one person in my family was tacky enough to say something, and she's a prescription drug addict living in a fog of unreality anyway, so who cares what people think?

Taking any job as a temporary measure, even at a local gas station, will at least keep an income flowing if you are not receiving unemployment.

Answer 2

One of the best ways to encourage yourself is to be helpful. Now that you are unemployed, you have a chance to do all of that volunteer work you have always wanted to do. Find a cause that moves you, set aside a scheduled time, and do some good deeds. You may find that there are opportunities in a field that you are interested in and could take you in a wonderful direction in life. There is an old proverb that says that with every mouth that is born, so are two hands. Good luck and good work in making the world a better place.

Answer 3

Wake up, walk to the mirror, and tell yourself what you are thankful for.. I would then tell the family Merry Christmas, I cannot afford presents this year, and I love you, so instead I am volunteering my time to the local soup kitchen.. Then get dressed and go to the nearest Soup kitchen and volunteer to work on Christmas day. It may very well inspire you. But most of all, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped others, even in your time of need, and what a kind, generous person you are.

Answer 4

My heart goes out to you as I have been in the same position. I would offer you a place to spend Christmas if I knew where you are. My Family and I do not have a lot but we do have a lot of love to give and try to do as much as we can to help others in need. If you just want someone to talk to e-mail me at [e-mail]. I will be glad to lend you an ear and share my Christmas spirit with you, Sincerely, Leigh

Answer 5

volunteer at a soup kitchen, or at a homeless shelter, or a church, you have a roof over your head, and you are not in hospital, and there's always someone more worse off

Answer 6

it's just christmas who cares christmas doesnt mean anything unless you are religous and if you are just go to a church and get help there