Ideas for low budget Christmas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want to believe this is an honest thread, but readers please beware. There are many scammers with stories like this on various message boards right now. They usually involve job loss and a hospitalized parent and turns into them saying their child still believes in Santa and hoping someone sends them money.

It does read like telenovela.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you might be a little irrational here, OP. If your living expenses have only been 40% of your HHI until a week or two ago, you very likely have pretty significant savings. Also, it sounds like you will be able to get another job, or maybe your husband will get a higher paying one if your are home more and your family needs the money. Nothing about this sounds permanent.

Also, 8 year olds and even 13 year olds don’t want ridiculously expensive things. I mean, even if they are expensive for what they are, a lego set and a pair of AirPods aren’t the kinds of things that are going to put you into bankruptcy. I’m willing to bet that if you posted your entire financial picture including various savings accounts and an estimated cost of a Christmas tree and presents for your children, people would tell you that you can afford to give your kids gifts this year.

I get that you are anxious about finances, but Christmas presents for your kids really isn’t the place to cut back.

I wanted to say that my husband lost his job a few years ago and went through something similar. I made about 35% of our HHI, but it was enough to cover expenses. It was fall, not Christmas, but he decided that we didn’t have enough to take the kids to the pumpkin patch that year.

It was ridiculous. We went to the pumpkin patch, and it made no difference in our budget at all. I think it was some kind of punishment for himself. He was depressed, and it was like he wanted to advertise what a big failure he was. I felt bad for him, but there was no need to stress out the kids. It wasn’t going to make him feel better and only made them feel worse.

[Anonymous]

We got a 6ft tree from Home Depot for $55.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you might be a little irrational here, OP. If your living expenses have only been 40% of your HHI until a week or two ago, you very likely have pretty significant savings. Also, it sounds like you will be able to get another job, or maybe your husband will get a higher paying one if your are home more and your family needs the money. Nothing about this sounds permanent.

Also, 8 year olds and even 13 year olds don’t want ridiculously expensive things. I mean, even if they are expensive for what they are, a lego set and a pair of AirPods aren’t the kinds of things that are going to put you into bankruptcy. I’m willing to bet that if you posted your entire financial picture including various savings accounts and an estimated cost of a Christmas tree and presents for your children, people would tell you that you can afford to give your kids gifts this year.

I get that you are anxious about finances, but Christmas presents for your kids really isn’t the place to cut back.

Is this person a troll?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want to believe this is an honest thread, but readers please beware. There are many scammers with stories like this on various message boards right now. They usually involve job loss and a hospitalized parent and turns into them saying their child still believes in Santa and hoping someone sends them money.

OP here. I don’t want money from anyone, and if anybody asks for money, it’s not me.

[Anonymous]

This is a good year to let the aunt/cousin/friend/grandparent who has a tendency to go overboard do so. If a friend was laid off and told me she was stressed about Christmas I’d definitely find that an easy way to help since that’s the season of giving and it’s less awkward. Let people show their generosity at the season for it.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't ruin santa over this. Trees cost $60. I could make $60 on ebay relatively easy. You could also check for a part time job for the next month. I know that's easier said than done but even 10 hours at $15 will buy your kids a nice Christmas. Check retail, grocery stores, warehouse jobs, and just tell yourself its a temporary need to get through the season.

Have you bought anything already? I have already finished most of our shopping, so could definitely make due if unable to purchase more. Make what you already have stretch.

Check your house for gift cards. We have random ones that get collected and not used. Try to use them or if you cant, sell them.

Be cheap about food. Use what is in your house. See if there are any food pantries you can use. Shop only sales. You have time now, so spend less and make things from scratch. You could save $100 in groceries and use that on gifts.

[Anonymous]

I would probably do a pretty regular Christmas, unless you are already in debt or something like that. The amount doesn’t seem super significant. Or, as other posters have said, consult with the older ones about which things they really want the most.

[Anonymous]

OP what are your kids used to getting?

[Anonymous]

Tell the older two what’s up. My parents traumatized us by always keeping their bankruptcy spiral a secret until massive, scary changes hit, and even then they wouldn’t admit what was happening and left us to deal emotionally. I was 11 when that started happening and it was so unnecessarily stressful and traumatizing. Watching your parents spend money they don’t have while they are obviously stressed about money is NOT fun for kids and makes them feel guilty and resentful.

[Anonymous]

Why didn’t you keep the job and go on fmla for a month?
Not being judgy but if you are struggling to buy a Christmas tree quitting entirely may not have been wise. Was going on medical leave, using SL, or fmla not an option?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. Thanks for all the ideas.

Hardest thing is 8yo still believes in Santa and is very much “don’t worry mom! Santa will bring the presents!” Oof.

Are you really not going to get your 8 year old a present from Santa?
I understand wanting to cut back, but this seems overboard.
I work in a community health clinic with a lot of people who live on very little money, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t get their kids a present at Christmas.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you hit up the right thrift stores and you should be able to find some pretty nice board games, books and random toys. Goodwill never does it for me in the toy area. I love 2nd Ave on Route 1 or Unique in Mosaic. They are bigger and have tons in the toy/gift department. I’ve been able to thrift almost all my 8 year olds gifts.

Also make sure to join your neighborhood Facebook Buy Nothing. People are trying to purge their homes and can pos great stuff. Also doesn’t hurt to ask for specific gifts. Just make sure to include some kind of photo so the post doesn’t get lost.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a good year to let the aunt/cousin/friend/grandparent who has a tendency to go overboard do so. If a friend was laid off and told me she was stressed about Christmas I’d definitely find that an easy way to help since that’s the season of giving and it’s less awkward. Let people show their generosity at the season for it.

I’m not OP, but not everyone has this. My family certainly doesn’t. We are on our own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a good year to let the aunt/cousin/friend/grandparent who has a tendency to go overboard do so. If a friend was laid off and told me she was stressed about Christmas I’d definitely find that an easy way to help since that’s the season of giving and it’s less awkward. Let people show their generosity at the season for it.

I’m not OP, but not everyone has this. My family certainly doesn’t. We are on our own.

Sure not everyone, but many people do. And many people have told extended family "we dont need more stuff" so it would he relevant to reverse that message if youre one of those people.

My siblings and in laws always ask for gift lists. I intentionally keep them small, but if I were in a struggle situation I would expand that list in hopes that someone would purchase a bigger item.