Hi! We're probably among tons of other people who would love to give Christmas presents to relatives and family friends. Right now, with money so tight, we can't do it this year. Is there a thoughtful way of expressing this in a card? We don't want to come across as cheap, or poor yet we also want them to know how much we love and care for them regardless of us not giving presents. Any ideas? Thank you!
2007-12-15 10:13:04 · 10 answers · asked by syrone1 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Instead of giving a "material" present you can give them a present of "your time"! Tell them that you will do something for them. Offer to help someone mow their lawn, wash windows,take them on errands etc.etc.They might appreciate spending time with you instead of getting presents that usually are not needed. Merry Christmas!
2007-12-15 10:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by PBcruzr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would tell them "Merry Christmas" in a card. Family should understand that money is tight. I have a big family and I can't afford buying everyone something so I make jam/jelly for Christmas to give to each household every year. I would say if you just felt terrible about this to make something that won't hurt your pockets. Fudge is pretty cheap to make. If that's not an option maybe printing out some certificates that promises them a personal service from you. If you all are close they may already know that you can't afford a lot of stuff for Christmas. Bottom line...and I'm sure you've heard it...it's not the gift, but the thought that counts...
2007-12-15 10:29:30 · answer #2 · answered by Nisha T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hopefully your mothers know of the delima and they have already told family about the situation. other then that i would write a end of year letter wrapping up on how plans have changed financally but the christmas spirit hasnt in your family. what may seem like a tough christmas has been an educational one to your children and to yourselves. it has brought you closer to God and your family. then tell them that they are in your prayers. and include sometype of coupon book things. like one free carwash with a bbq at your house next summer, or perhaps homebaked cookies or something. telling them the cookies are the warmth from your house to theirs....but, that is only if you can afford it. pretty much express how much their friendship as been valued over the years and how you know that they always understand you no matter what hard times you go threw. God bless my friends and i do wish your family a marry christmas. love ida
2007-12-15 10:26:42 · answer #3 · answered by Ida 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say I know how you feel cause we are in the same situation due to me losing my job but, what we are going to do is just let the CHRISTmas spirit out let our kids know the true of CHRISTmas and do something special with them on CHRISTmas. As for extended family you just have to let them know that things are tight and you will spend time with them and share the CHRISTmas spirit but there will not be gifts this year.
2007-12-17 13:37:13 · answer #4 · answered by handsofhelp1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain to them your situation. If they are true caring people they will understand. Get them a card, put a thoughtful quote in it, make it look all nice with neat handwriting. They'll appreciate it!
2007-12-17 11:38:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send cards and simply say we are scaling back this year.Its not being cheap and there is no shame in being poor far worse to go in debt to keep up appearances.
2007-12-16 00:29:50 · answer #6 · answered by butterflyspy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make something cool and sweet. Like buy a lot of candy and put them in little baggies with a card. ( i did that one year for my friends) or high tail it to the nearest fivebelow
2007-12-15 10:25:47 · answer #7 · answered by bluthngsx (anti-jonas) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In your shoes, I would admit that I am poor. In fact, a few days ago I sent them an e-mail saying, "You all know my financial situation, but out of curiosity, what would you like for Christmas this year?"
I believe that no one is so poor that they can't give some sort of gift. In my poorest times, I've given away Smurfs tied to little liquer bottles, silk poinsettias tied to candy canes, copies of my Christmas compilation tapes, or colorful woven potholders, or tree ornaments made out of felt. This year I'm giving people books I'm buying on discount through Amazon.com. Dover Publications has classic books for $1 or $2 each!
http://store.doverpublications.com/by-subject-literature-dover-thrift-editions.html
Tap your talents! What are you good at, or what do you love to do? You can bake small breads or cakes, or bake gingerbread cookies that look like your loved ones! You can draw pictures that look like them. You can create poems about them, or write one poem to share with them all.
Vistaprint.com has business cards and other stationery--in fact, some cards are free (plus shipping and handling). You can find a nice quote or short poem or song lyric, put it on the business card, and give them to your loved ones along with their Christmas cards. Some stationery stores also have pocket-sized cards, like little posters, with wise sayings or poetry.
http://www.vistaprint.com
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/studio3.aspx?pf_id=064&combo_id=4298&gallery_id=64&category_id=11&referer=http%3a%2f%2fwww.vistaprint.com%2fvp%2fns%2fdefault.aspx%3fGP%3d12%252F15%252F2007%2b6%253A51%253A45%2bPM
You can also include a candy cane with their cards.
Oh yeah: like you said in your question, tell them how much you love them and care for them!
Like I said, no one is so poor that he/she can't give something!
Merry Christmas!
2007-12-15 10:54:18 · answer #8 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Tell them that you are sorry that you cant give them gifts because you spent all of your time on the internet instead of working.
2007-12-15 10:22:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
We love you, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
2007-12-15 10:22:40 · answer #10 · answered by sundsqk321@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋