How can I have Christmas when we have no money to use?

Question

Last Febuary my husband lost his job. It took him about 2 months to get the position that he is in now. Durring that time we had to use credit cards to pay our bills. Now they keep on calling because we currently don't have the money to pay them. My husband barly makes enough to pay the mortgage, $380/month, car insurance, $150/month, and our loans, 175/month. Each month I struggle to pay the bills, take care of our two boys, 2 and 2 months, and pay for gas and food.

Answer 1

It will be ok, I know the feeling. The first few years my wife and I were married we didnt get each other a gift because we couldnt afford it. It stinks but thats not the point of christmas anyways, spend a romantic evening alone after the kids are in bed. As far as the kids, at 2 you can get away with getting them a couple pretty cheap gifts that they will still like. Again we have been there and one year got my son a truck and a game from the thrift store when he was about 2 and he loved it as much as an expensive toy. Things will get better!!!

Answer 2

Being a much older person and coming from a different time when I had little children...we also were in hard times in the 1960's. My husband didn't earn enough for the extras. We always had a wonderful holiday doing things together that didn't mean spending lots of money (we didn't have). If you are religious and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas you have an advantage because you can go to your church with other families and enjoy the festivities. Knowing the birthday of Jesus is the reason for the season. Many churches have (gifts for kids) so no child goes without. Also get in touch with your Salvation army in your city. I'm sure if they know your circumstances they will assist you. I know it is very painful been there before. If you have family and friends near you have a "Christmas cookie baking night or day" doing things like this brings lots of happiness to your heart. You can give these as gifts. One year my neighbor who could crochet made my kids little vests...and I could sew so I made her kids skirts...we both ended up with nice gifts for less. If you have some recent photos of your kids or have a friend take them put them in frames for gifts. You can buy some $1 acrylic small photo frames at the dollar store. Also don't feel guilty about calling for help at a radio station. Sometimes they have contacts with companies who are having "Christmas projects to help families". Remember ...you are not alone..and you don't want to go into debt that you don't need this time of year especially. You can always make some extra money babysitting for other families...they want to get out and party and if you had a few children to care for on these party nights it would give you some extra spending money to help you through the holidays. Your children are young and the little things you do for them is all you need. When they are older I'm sure your life will be much smoother and you can have the holiday you want to have. God bless you....hugs Mama Jazzy Geri

Answer 3

There are a lot of great answers here. There are a lot of organizations that were created to help people in your situation. I live on a very tight budget myself and know that the pressure of bills is very stressful.

Christmas is about giving. I think the best present you could give your family is to teach them how to give by example. It may be a little difficult while they are still so young, but you yourself could benefit from the wonderful feeling of giving. My suggestion would be to do some volunteering for any organization that helps others. Even if you can only find a few hours on a single day this Christmas season to help others that are struggling, then you may impress upon yourself that:
1. Giving is rejuvenating.
2. There are a lot of people in your situation-you are not alone.
3. Kids don't learn giving unless they see you model it for them.
4. You always have something to give even when it feels like you don't.

I got really tired of the stress of trying to buy gifts for everyone every year. I have a large family and I really want to show them how much I love them all. One year I had an idea. Starting in January, I volunteered once a month at a different organization. Some were organizations to feed the hungry, some were to take care of the sick, some were to help animals...etc. I kept track of which organizations I worked for all year and when the holidays came, I made a simple card and had it copied; it detailed all of the organizations I had volunteered for and it said that this was my gift of love to all my family. That's all they got...just a handmade card...but it really felt great to give it to them. My family loved it and appreciated the effort I had put into it all year to give the gift of my time to others who needed my help. I would encourage you to give this a try.

May you have a magickal and prosperous journey.

Answer 4

Christmas has nothing to do with how much money is in your wallet even though it could help but just by putting together a small dinner singing caroles ang being together is the best thing anyone can ask for. As far as those little gifts for the kids, get ahold of your local social service organization and they can help you to get involved in community services that collect gifts for children of struggling parents and don't be afraid to let them help. Everyone needs help once in a while. Hope I've been of some help. I know what it's like to try to salvage a major holiday on a minor budget. Merry Christmas.

Answer 5

First of all, Christmas is not about presents and food. (I know I'm going to sound like a TV evangelical) It's about Jesus's birth. Most people say it's also about friends and family.

My suggestion is that this year you seek out a Toys for Tots sort of program to get toys for your two boys. Secondly, try to assemble some sort of a family gathering. I'm sure that Mom and Sister Sally would understand if you didn't bring a dish to the gathering. Thirdly, put your kids in your local church's Christmas pageant. I remember distinctly being a little sheep when I was just a wee tot, and your little 2-month old would probably make a great baby Jesus. Most of the time the costumes and everything are provided by the church.

I'm so sorry to hear that you hit a pothole in life, but I hope you get out of it soon. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Answer 6

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time. Have you checked for assistance programs (through your church, for example)? I would also suggest that you call the credit card companies to try to make arrangements (they may be willing to negotiate with you on the terms).
As for the holidays, the kids are young so they will take their cue from you. Try not to add even more stress onto your shoulders worrying about a holiday that you can redefine. Some of my best memories are of lean times, and the way my family made the most of them. I sincerely wish you the very best, and I hope that the new year holds a brighter future for your family.

Answer 7

It's very hard to be in such a tight situation. First of all, I would look into consolidating my credit card loans. Second, how would you feel about contacting a local church to ask for help with Christmas? You might be able to get Christmas dinner and toys for the boys. You can also look up Toys for Tots - they will help you with presents. If you are located in certain Western states you can buy food for a discount through Catholic Charities - this is my best way of making ends meet. You can also look into local food pantries - I used the one at my church for several months after being unemployed.

Remember that your children are too young to understand much about the holidays. Make this Christmas about being together and spending time with them - about being happy as a family even if you feel sad because your Christmas is not going to be quite the way you envisioned. I remember one Christmas when my father played all day in the snow with us. I don't remember what presents I got, but I remember every detail of the time he spent with us.

Answer 8

I don't know what area you are in, but you could try Yahoo Groups and check for a Freesource in your area. In S. Fla, we use it to recycle things that we can no longer use. We post to a user board what is available, or what is needed, and people respond to pick up or drop off.

You can also try www.craigslist.org (don't forget the "S" or you will get a porn site). They have a free posting section where people post what they no longer need. This is a country wide web site and they would probably have a city near you, if not yours.

You can also check your local churches, as they do "Angel Trees." They find out what your kids want/need and then allow members in the church to take "an angel" (your child) and buy what is on the list for your child. They don't use names, only ID numbers, and sex and age of child.

You could also contact the Local Salvation Army or Goodwill to see what you can do about getting things.

Answer 9

Shop at The Dollar store rent some Christmas movies and order a pizza and be together and love each other that sounds like fun . Sing Christmas songs and eat and play games . Back in the day people did not have money or do all sorts of expensive things they sat around and sang songs and enjoyed each other Marry Christmas and God Bless you and your family..

Answer 10

Take them to Midnight Mass and help them feel the joy and love around them on such a special occasion.

Tough times are never easy do the best you can and be proud no matter what happens, you love your kids and god will provide for you. But most certainly do look for local resources that provide assistance, just plan to give back to someone else in need when your situation gets better.

Always look up in life, the glass is always half full no matter how bleak things look.

Best wishes to you and your family.
:)