We have 2 girls- 5 & 10. We have no money for presents, no money for a tree or anything. We are barley keeping up with our bills. Anyone have any ideas??? This is the first year this has happened. We are at a loss and I am tired of crying over it.
2007-11-18 15:41:23 · 16 answers · asked by loving mom 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Go to your local church or Human Services, explain your situation and ask if they have any programs you can sign your children up for like the Angel Tree program or Toys for Tots.
2007-11-18 15:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by Ista 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you could use some help. Go to your church and be humble. Your children need a helping hand and God is always a good place to start. Christmas is not about trees and presents. It is a good thing to learn the reality of Christmas. Dress the children up and make sure every one is clean and scrubbed up. Attend the local church on Sunday and I am sure that without a doubt help will be available. I know this is very hard and takes away from your pride as a parent. But a good parent knows they need help and they seek help when it is needed. Your children will need to know the true meaning of Christmas. Blue (the cat) says that Money does not make a Christmas. Arts and Crafts can help make your hope festive and include in the spiritual aspect of Christmas. I remember well the days I could not afford Christmas. I am sure that your parents could not always afford elaborate Christmases.Some of the best Christmases were the very poor ones that we had as children. Good Luck and may God smile upon your family.
2007-11-18 23:51:33 · answer #2 · answered by fnbug 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ok as the other posters said you may get some help try your local churches also.Now for what you can do,Any tree can be decorated as long as it has sturdy branches.You must have decorations from years passed,use those try to think of a new way to use them.This is the time to think creately,yes you can.Make snowflakes,sweet gum balls become ornaments,pine cones can make anything with alittle wire and glue,hot glue if you have it.Bake with your girls,cookies,fudge,anything you have supplies for and make it a fun time,its not all about gifts,its the fun that will be remembered.This is also a time to recycle,old worn out clothes become doll quilts or new outfits.Stray pices of lumber becomes a bird house have your children thinking of useful things they can make each other thats a gift.You are not helpfess,just broke.It happens to all of us,now get busy you only have 5 weeks left ! And yes I do feel your pain I been there many times but I have learned over the years the good times only you can provide.Lots of love and cheerful home will do more than anything you will ever buy.God bless you and Merry Christmas. !
2007-11-19 00:53:47 · answer #3 · answered by peppersham 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There were few christmas growing up like this for me, but I never knew about them because my uncles would get together and make sure that my brother and I had things under the tree from Santa.
When my brother had no money for Christmas and two small children I returned the favor. I took him shopping and had nim pick out stuff that would be from him and I bought the rest of it to be from santa.
My church growing up always made up these big baskets of food for families in need during the holidays.
If you are a member of a church talk to pastor and let him know what is going on. They usually have a discreet way of helping out families in need.
2007-11-19 00:58:03 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda I 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't need a tree, put last years decorations up in a tree in your yard, or on a bush, or hang them from the windows and lights.
Your local church will be able to help out with a hamper and some gifts for the kids.
Try phoning some of the people who you owe money to, and tell them that you will be short a few bucks on their account, and you will pay it after Christmas if they will agree to it.
One Christmas, my children and I had mashed potatoes and fritz and sauce for lunch. We had visitors, and shared that with them as well. It was one of the best Christmas's we ever had.
We would walk past other homes in the neighbourhood at night and admire their decorations.
Our home was filled with love and the children knew it, and never ever felt like they were hard done by
2007-11-19 00:55:32 · answer #5 · answered by Noel J 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stop crying there are a lot of agencies that offer help during this time of year. Also they are old enough to know that things are a little tight. Make it up to them later maybe around income tax time. There are churches that may help you guys out and food pantrys. Keep your ears open and when you hear of some things make sure you go and pick up stuff. We all have had those times in our lives but the best gift is being together. Stay strong for your kids. Good luck!
2007-11-18 23:50:57 · answer #6 · answered by tikababy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try going to friends or family that you feel comfortable with, and explain the situation - they may chip in a few bucks. Also, places like the Salvation Army will take your childrens names and ages, and people in various places pick the names off of "giving trees" and buy gifts for the kids. You might also want to check www.freecycle.com . Look for one in your area, and see what is posted. Nothing costs $, all of it is good stuff that people don't want to throw away. Its like a free online garage sale, where people look for or offer stuff - free. Try making some homemade gifts - picture frames, use scrap wood to make a doghouse or doll house for them. If you have blank cd's, make some with your girls' favorite music. Good luck... remember the meaning of the holiday is love and the thought, not material things.
2007-11-18 23:47:54 · answer #7 · answered by steddy voter 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There were many times when my parents didn't have the money for presents, for our birthdays or christmas, and they explained that times were hard and how much they loved us. Instead we would spend as much time together as possible, playing goofy games, singing songs and just being together. Now, with my younger sisters, my parents have a no-presents rule so we all will appreciate the holiday and the time together without worrying about money.
2007-11-18 23:52:46 · answer #8 · answered by pine-sweep 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am so sorry . I feel so bad . But if you
go to church or you can just make a meal
where you can talk and celebrate with your
family. And Christmas is about presents .
You could tell your girls sorry that you
couldn't get them anything this year and you
would try to give them presents next year .
I think they'll understand . Best wishes !
- JB Fan ! <3
2007-11-19 19:42:18 · answer #9 · answered by M 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
several years ago i was in your shoes we went out and cut down a tree that kinda looked like a christmas tree and put tons of decorations on it ,from the age listed for your kids have them make some decorations use lots of tin foil its christmasy have you considered garage sales? nice clothes with tags can be found there and tons of toys, but i know what its like to not even have money for that, sign uup for help you can get it like those names on the trees in stores you deserve help and a good christmas and its out there go get it
2007-11-18 23:58:52 · answer #10 · answered by bodyshop111 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋