This Christmas is going to be a tough one financially. Situations that both the boy and I faced this year put us in a position where both of us, at times, were struggling to keep our heads above water. And while we’re in a better situation now, we’re not out of the woods yet. I’ve been putting money back for Christmas for what seems like months, now. But every time I think we’re going to be okay based on the budget that we both set, something happens and we have to dip into that money.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The kids will have a Christmas. The boy and I have decided not to exchange gifts unless there was money left over but I’m looking at the list of things they want and the budget we have set and I’m just sad that I can’t get it for them.
I know that each of the kids will have at least two Christmases. I know that they will get presents from grandparents. I know that they will not be hurting when it comes to crap that they don’t really need.
But what bums me more than anything in the world is that I love to give.
It’s not the money or the stuff that I’m stressed over.
It’s that I’m not able to GIVE like I want to. I can’t get them the things that I know will make their faces light up brighter than the Christmas tree.
And that’s okay. Because I would rather have a smaller Christmas than lose my house, but, the fact still remains that I’m having to be extra creative this year to make sure that they will have a Christmas that they will remember; one that despite the lack of presents under the tree, will still hold memories for them.
So that’s what I’ve been working on.
Finding a way to make everyone happy.
And I know that I will be.
And Christmas morning, the real reason we’ll be celebrating will be, of course, Jesus.
And that? Makes the stressing over this calm down. Not all the way.
But enough that I’m not losing sleep over it… yet.
(and I’m still praying to win the lottery. )
Until next time…
{ 1 comment }
i’m sorry things are tough for you this year. there will be better years ahead.
my budget is always tight around this time of year. one thing a started a few years back when i knew i wouldn’t be able to give them much may help you. like yours, my kids get gifts from many others in the family. i talked to them about how lucky we are to have a home, food to eat, people you love us, etc….. and i asked them if they knew there were many others out there who didn’t have those things. we talked about what it might be like to be in that situation and how it is important at times to think about giving rather than getting especially during this time of year)
then i asked them the big question. would they be willing to give up presents (just from me and from santa – not from grandma) in order to give to children who may not get anything for the holiday. they said yes. we set a dollar amount (what i knew i could afford – i think it was 10 or 15 bucks each) and i took them shopping. they each picked out a gift to donate. i took them to a local fire station to drop off to Toys for Tots. and we made a donation to a local food bank. we’ve done it every year since. instead of buying gifts for each other we’ve agreed to make gifts for each other or simply write letters to one another explaining what we appreciate about them.
it would certainly be something they remember
Comments on this entry are closed.