I have avoided all my friends and family because I have not been able to buy anyone gifts.My wife was put in the hospital about a month and a half ago for an unexpected surgery and it cost us several thousand dollars that hurt us financially.She has been off of work since then with no paycheck.I did'nt realize before how her income affects us.All my family is at my moms house,waiting for us to stop by, but I can't go, because I know that there are so many gifts for us.We only bought the kids a few things.I feel embarrased accepting anything.How can I make this any easier?
2006-12-25 10:05:19 · 16 answers · asked by charles 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I think that you should try not to feel bad. I know this is easier said than done. Remember that life is filled with ups and downs and this is a down time for you, the up times on on the way!
Christmas unfortunately has been very commericalized and people are forgetting the true meaning of the holiday. Christmas has nothing to do with giving and recieving gifts. It is a celebration of Christ. All in all, you must do what is best for you and your family, and if you cannot afford gifts dont buy them and if it makes you feel better to stay at home, do so. If you would like to visit your family and not feel bad, DECIDE not to feel bad! Be thankful for all you DO HAVE, your kids, your wife. Keep in mind that there is always someone that is worse off. There are people that lost their entire family in a war and have NO ONE. You have a family. Thank GOD for that. Go to your family gathering with a warm heart, a big smile on your face and your chin up. You didnt do anything wrong. You are just a victim of one of lifes many blows.
But if you are really feeling like you must give something, you can always buy a box of cookie or brownie mix and bake ! Throw them on a plate wrap them up and bring them to your family get together. Just an cost effective idea....but mainly remember the biblical verse that says, "and this too, shall pass.". For all you know, next year your wife will be healthy as a horse, and get a job raise, you may be buying more gifts than ever! (though still this is really what is not important) Thats just the way life is, it is up and then it is down....Count your blessings....you will find that there are many.
2006-12-25 10:39:26 · answer #1 · answered by Blaq Mamba 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to hear of your wife's medical difficulties. I've been there and frankly am still recovering from it financially. This is the third year in a row that buying a lot of stuff has not been doable. It has turned out to be the best thing in the world.
As far as your family is concerned, unless they are absolutely the most shallow, self-centered, egregiously vapid bunch of baboons, they know you are having a difficult time and want nothing more than to have you and yours there so that they may show you how much they love you for you.
Consider this an opportunity to search for the real meaning of Christmas. (hint; it isn't about anything which can be bought)
Go and give love and receive love.
2006-12-25 10:15:13 · answer #2 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel like christmas is just about gifts then you're wrong. I'm sure they are all wanting to see you. You can always make it up to them next year. Or have them come over for a party at your house after your wife is better and you both are on your feet financially. What kind of family do you have anyway? They should be more understanding if you are feeling this way. Don't you communicate with your family? They should understand your situation not make you feel embarrassed. Don't be so hard on yourself. Just be thankful that you have your family and you're not alone.
2006-12-25 10:09:35 · answer #3 · answered by Mel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is family. They love you no matter what. Accept these gifts and be gracious about it. Most people don't give with the notion of of getting something in return. I'm sure your family knows that you are having a tough time. Let them give to you and when you and your wife get back on your feet, you can do some little thing for each of them as a way of saying thanks. It's not the end of the world. The important thing is that your wife is getting better. Merry Christmas and God bless.
2006-12-25 10:12:54 · answer #4 · answered by sunny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worst Christmas presents I gained have been from my ex-grandparents. i'm no longer blabbing approximately my grandfather on condition that he's kicked the bucket. no longer his fault besides. I enjoyed him and forgave him. i'm no longer precisely Christian, yet out of comprehend for my father and his mothers and fathers, I celebrated Christmas and Chanukah. I waited for Christmas to open my presents. My Christmases weren't that good and that i made up lost situations as quickly as I had undesirable. i did no longer post a Chanukah bush this 3 hundred and sixty 5 days. yet, I have been given undergarments (necessary), small bag of tissues (ninja turtles, i replaced right into a woman!), no longer something ever on my 'yuletide' record extremely. I style of gave up and moved onto what i will purchase with my own money. even nonetheless, it does harm whilst all you pick for for yuletide replaced into books. Any style of books as long because it replaced into fictional and not non secular. i'm a reader.
2016-10-06 00:24:55 · answer #5 · answered by mauzon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call my mom and be honest with her. Mom's have a way of helping and getting creative in a pinch. We are in the same situation financially this year, and trust, me, they would much rather see your faces then your presents. The holidays are about family, and family is about support. Enjoy your family, and like me, maybe plan a make-up party for when things are a little more stable
2006-12-25 10:09:45 · answer #6 · answered by Shanah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call ahead and tell your mom that you appreciate what everyone has done, but that since you were financially unable to buy for everyone, it makes you feel very akward and could she just let everyone know to hold on to the presents until next year that way you will have a chance to reciprocate.
2006-12-25 10:09:30 · answer #7 · answered by Sissy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure your family will realize that you cant afford thing right now any way Christmas is not the gifts its Jesus birthday and time to be with family
2006-12-25 11:04:20 · answer #8 · answered by harley w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People seem to of forgotten the real meaning of Christmas, its not about how much you buy someone or how much they spend on you its about being together with the people you care about most to celebrate Christ being born.
Just go to your family. explain what has happend and if they dont understand this, then they need to figure out the REAL meaning of Christmas!
2006-12-25 11:42:23 · answer #9 · answered by Unhinged.... 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UNDERSTAND THAT CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT GIFTS ITS NOT
AND ANYONE THAT THINKS IT IS IS INSANELY WRONG
IF U CANT AFFORD IT U JUST CANT
U SHOULD BE THANKFUL THAT U ARE STILL LIVING
HEALTHY WHOLE AND HAVE FOOD TO EAT
ITS NOT ABOUT HOW MANY OR WHO U CAN GET GIFTS FOR ITS REALLY ABOUT GIVING NOT EXPECTING ANYTHING BACKK.....
U WILL BE FINE
GO SPEND THE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY JUST BE GALD THAT THEY ARE HERE
BECAUSE 1000'S LAYED DOWN LAST NIGHT PLAINNING TO DO THAT TODAY
BUT DIDNT RISE TO THE OCCASION
BUT WILL BE ROLLED OUT IN A CASKET AT A FUNERAL SOON
SO JUST BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT U HAVE AND DONT BE EMBARRASSED ABOUT THE NOTHING U DONT HAVE....
GOOD LUCK FINDING WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT.....
BYE SWEETY
AND MERRY CHRISTMAS
2006-12-25 10:11:34 · answer #10 · answered by SWEET S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋