Help with Christmas! We're short this year and only have one gift for each of our children?
Answer:
You are not wrong for asking for assistance at all, actually you are brave and putting your children ahead of your pride. Money can be tight, that is the way life works sometimes, but there are great programs for women like yourselves, I have done many things to help families in your position and no one has ever thought anything negative or thought the parents were irresponsible for not planning ahead. You are just like other families and lets face this is a difficult time of year and Christmas is only getting more expensive every year. Don't worry just do what you have to do and really enjoy the holiday, money or no money you can create some really special traditions.
I think you should teach your children that Christmas is not just about gifts.
If a person has food to eat, a roof over their head, and clothes on their back, they're better than a lot of people in this world.
Spend quality time with them. I don't recall hardly any toys from my childhood, but fun family times are memorable. Don't pass on the illusion to your kids that they need material things to be happy and wealthy.
Why don't you explain to your children what has happened. I'm sure unless both you and their father lost your jobs that you will get an income tax return. Why not have christmas then?
I think it depends on your normal money cirmcumstances if you should be asking for help or not.
I would suggest going to the salvation army or any 2nd hand store to try and find things. I would also suggest maybe asking some family members to help you out.
Churches help out with people who cant' afford toys for their kids. Some give gift cards others ask you what you kid might want or need. What about family members? Could they pitch in 20 bucks a piece so that your kids will have more then 1 gift under tree for Santa? GL...Sometime people have to ask for help as long as your not taking advantage of it it is ok!
Also in respone of others who say they don't need toys under tree from SANTA is just dumb especially if they are old enough to know about Christmas....besides KIDS don't' need to know that their parents are having financial problems...
no you are not wrong asking for assistance. check with your county offices they may be able to help you get what your children need. As far as the presents go... remember most of christmas is just a hallmark holiday anymore. get back to the basics and volunteer at a local food shelter or nursing home with your children. show them that while you may not have much... some people have nothing at all. As a part of humanity, we need to help each other out in every way!
I don't think you're wrong to ask for assistance for things your kids really need. As far as the Christmas gifts go, it sounds a little sparse, but lots of kids have less. Do they have grandparents or other family members who usually give them gifts? If your kids are pretty small still, there are a variety of $1 - $5 toys out there that they would be excited to get just because of the fun of opening more gifts.
I'm not sure who to ask for help with the clothes, maybe your church if you attend.
I don't think they really realize what gifts are from who. It really doesn't matter how many gifts you give them. They will be happy with you giving them lots of hugs and kisses. Tell them you love them like as if you are never going to see them again. Plus there are others in the family that will give them gifts as well. My kids never even cared how many gifts I gave them in the past. They are just happy that I am there to spend it with them.
My first place I would suggest is to call a church. I am sure they can give you some help. Look in your phone book for a church in your area.
Where do you live?? I am in GA and our local radio station is granting wishes. http://www.thefishatlanta.com/ If you are in GA maybe they can help.
I would try a United Way or Salvation Army store for cheaper toys. If you can't afford anything there manybe talk to one of the people helping out there & I am sure they can help.
I'll keep you in my prayers
Talk to the school and local churches. Alot of places have help for situations like this. Just dont wait till the last minute or you can miss out on help.
thats too bad...how many children do you have? Do you have any family member that you could get a loan from? If you do have caring family members that are "fit" enough to help you out...ask them. Make sure you let them know that you will need___ amount of time to get the money back to them...i'm sure they'll understand
Home made gifts are nice, if you can fill their stockings with cheap candy/little games. Try to spend as little as possible.
Follow these ideas...they will help on how much you can set aside to buy for each child: http://financialplan.about.com/od/credit...
I know loans are always depressing...but you can talk to someone about them too.
Hope all goes well
and if the kids don't understand...let them know that you can't afford much now, maybe promise them a better birthday !!AND SET AWAY MONEY!!
Ask your local church too..they can help with uniforms
dont make them worried
and always remeber...last thing i promise...Love can be a gift too!!
Merry Christmas
first of all let me tell u Im in the same boat. its just not enough money to go around. And we all know that Christmas isnt about the gifts, so i would just explain to them that this year is about gifts but more importantly about family thats how i look at it this year and any other time.You dont buy thing for people (or your kids) just to buy them you do it because you love and appreciate them. they will understand if not now later. Pleaase dont stress your self out over this just be thankful you have family.
Ooh, but you have a computer? Sell the computer and get your kids gifts, DUH!
SA for the gifts I would explain to them that the hoidays is not al about gifts. To be thankful, which I am sure they are, that they are together with there family. They will appreciate it more. As for the uniforms ask the school what you can do? Good luck and god bless with the holidays.
I'm not familiar with area-specific agencies, but there are a lot of national organizations you could contact, like the Salvation Army or Toys for Tots.
You are not wrong to ask for assistance. We all need help sometimes. And maybe next year you'll be in a position to give back.
You could get some inexpensive things at the dollar store. Talk to your school about uniforms. Maybe they can help you out. Go to your local Salvation Army, church, United Way, or other public service organization for help.
Good luck, God bless.
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