[Subby Enterprises]

This is NOT a poll. I just wanted to start a thread that I thought might be interesting. I have been reading a LOT of news lately on consumer confidence, and the fact that consumer spending (accounting for 70% of the nation's economy) is at a 26 year low, and still falling. As for me and my wife, we have decided give our extended family, a family pic in a cheap frame. And as for our daughters, get them one thing that they wanted, that we can barely afford, just so they won't have a Christmas without ANYTHING. Even then, I'll be having to charge that on my credit card, which (Thank God) I have managed to keep at a low interest rate.

For us (particularly ME, being a dad who USED to make a decent living) this has been the most stressful Holiday season I have ever gone through. I know that some people still have decent work and pay, but I seem to know more people who don't than who do. I do remain thankful that I have been fortunate enough to not have missed any mortgage payments yet, but only by literally killing myself in the process, working 7 days a week on how to make some money, and by drastically undercharging for anything I do- because I know most people don't have the means of paying full price for much of anything right now.

So....Am I the only one lying awake at night worrying myself sick? Surely there are others....???

This is not a "whoa is me" rant or lamentation, but rather....let's call it a "group therapy session", where people can share their strifes about today's economy without involving politics (if that is possible). In which case, I should have started out this thread in this manner-

"hello, my name is Subby, and I am a victim of the bad economy."

We can go from there.

[Lady Raider]

we are not buying for Christmas this year, of course our boys are older so they will just get some money and that is it..

Subby no need to lay awake at night worrying about it, I am sure your kids are old enough to understand, and if nothing else start going to yard sales and keeping a check on here for items for sale that you can get cheaper then buying new.

[Subby Enterprises]

Lady Raider, on 03 November 2009 - 12:42 PM, said:

we are not buying for Christmas this year, of course our boys are older so they will just get some money and that is it..

Subby no need to lay awake at night worrying about it, I am sure your kids are old enough to understand, and if nothing else start going to yard sales and keeping a check on here for items for sale that you can get cheaper then buying new.

Normally, I don't do that. Just the past couple of nights..not just about the Holidays, but all other aspects of keeping things together. And you are right about one thing- I am very HAPPY that my kids are old enough to understand the circumstances about how things are right now.

[NC-17]

meh. i don't stress over it. I've got a certain amount of cash set aside to spend on black friday. i'll grab what's on sale, and when the money runs out i'll go home.

the fun part is deciding who gets what crazy bargain i grabbed!

[Lady Raider]

I think this year a lot of families will get back to the basics of Christmas...


we may all just get together and have a nice dinner and just be together with other family,.

[winston1972]

We've always been pretty good bargain hunters. We bought our son's X-mas gifts at Kmart and Target earlier this year when they were having the toy clearance and got everything from 75-90% off. As for us, we really don't need anything. I collect sterling silver X-mas ornaments and did buy 2-3 of those but other than that we really have gotten out of the habit of buying each other anything.

This is the first year we will do this and part of it is due to everyone cutting back and wanting to spread some X-mas cheer. I'm going to bake a bunch of coolies, fudge, brownies etc. to give to friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, etc.

Most about everyone I know is down to 1 income in their HH, income reduced, insecure about their job and/or had their minumum payments and interest rates jacked up on their credit jacked up to the point where they don't have much disposable income.

I suspect this X-mas will be the new norm for many HH's for the next few years considering this fact I read yesterday. Assuming the current unemployment rate, it would take creating 250,000 new jobs EACH MONTH for the next 5 years to get the unemployment rate down to 5%. I just don't see it happening. I think the new non-recession level unemployment levels will hover in the 7% range.

[Subby Enterprises]

Lady Raider, on 03 November 2009 - 12:50 PM, said:

I think this year a lot of families will get back to the basics of Christmas...


we may all just get together and have a nice dinner and just be together with other family,.

Our extended family (on my mom's side) have been celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas (all rolled into one) during the week of Thanksgiving, and have been for several years, in PC, Florida where my aunt and uncle live. They are the only ones who are still well off. Our room and board is provided (they purchased the house next to them to keep a developer from trashing their neighborhood). Last year, we had just enough cash to cover the gas down there and back, but for the first time, I bought my piano with me. Well, I played on Thanksgiving Eve for the family, and they tipped me $100. That was the sweetest darn thing I could have imagined!! It paid for our trip there and back, with enough left to buy the kids a couple of trinkets while down there.

HINT- they insisted that I bring my piano down again this year, so I am....while keeping my fingers crossed!!

[ccfamily]

Well we have been short the past couple of years so we have really changed our lifestyle. Sold a lot of extras, lost our house and moved to a cheaper one, very rarely go anyplace that costs money. Its been 2 years since we saw a movie in the theater, etc.. For Xmas, we have cut way back. I start early and buy things on clearance or used/great condition at consignment sales or garage sales. I also post things I want on this site and have had some great responses of people willing to part with things. I am also selling more stuff for the next month and the money I make on that is my Xmas fund. My kids always have things that they no longer use.

[rednekkhikkchikk]

I don't have children and have made a point of informing my family that I don't plan to shop for gifts this year. I might bake a cake for each of my parents and for my sisters that my grandmother used to make - and honestly by the time I gather all I need for that I'll have spent as much as I would spend on junk they don't want and won't use, anyway. And I know it will be appreciated (and eaten), because it's absolutely delicious.


The way I see it, they can keep their money, I'll keep my money, and if there's something any of us wants, we can catch a good deal after the holiday. That way everyone gets something they want or need - and at a bargain price, no less.

Quote

but for the first time, I bought my piano with me

You are not talking about a regular, full-sized piano, I presume?

[Whoa Willie]

I/We only get the kids gifts, and it has been like that for a while. We just visit with each other and that is enuff for us.

Subby, you work hard, do good work, and do it for a very fair rate. And most of all, I trust my stuff with you(priceless), cause I know you'll do it right. Hang in there Bud.

This post has been edited by Whoa Willie: 03 November 2009 - 02:09 PM

[Lady Raider]

rednekkhikkchikk, on 03 November 2009 - 01:58 PM, said:

I don't have children and have made a point of informing my family that I don't plan to shop for gifts this year. I might bake a cake for each of my parents and for my sisters that my grandmother used to make - and honestly by the time I gather all I need for that I'll have spent as much as I would spend on junk they don't want and won't use, anyway. And I know it will be appreciated (and eaten), because it's absolutely delicious.


The way I see it, they can keep their money, I'll keep my money, and if there's something any of us wants, we can catch a good deal after the holiday. That way everyone gets something they want or need - and at a bargain price, no less.



You are not talking about a regular, full-sized piano, I presume?

I would rather have something homemade like that then something new from the store.

[P.C. Shopper]

I've been shopping ebay and watching local thrift stores and websites for items my kids want.

It'll be tough, but, my oldest understands, my 10 YO is clueless, and the 5 YO are just learning, per say, so they won't know if they don't have "a lot" of stuff.

I also buy "stocking stuffers" of stuff that is used all year (toothbrushes, toothpaste, vitamins, soap, etc). The kids actually like it. My friend got onto me today for it

[naturegirl]

P.C. Shopper, on 03 November 2009 - 02:23 PM, said:

I've been shopping ebay and watching local thrift stores and websites for items my kids want.

It'll be tough, but, my oldest understands, my 10 YO is clueless, and the 5 YO are just learning, per say, so they won't know if they don't have "a lot" of stuff.

I also buy "stocking stuffers" of stuff that is used all year (toothbrushes, toothpaste, vitamins, soap, etc). The kids actually like it. My friend got onto me today for it

What?? Why did she get on to you for being practical?? I have always done that with the stockings.

We're only buying for the grandkids this year, things are pretty scary right now.

Subby I believe it will all come back eventually, you know they say it's hard to keep a good man down. Your family understands.

((hugs))

[sammieswifey]

My sons are older now, so they get one gift of their choosing, and clothes that they need.

We usually enjoy giving and volunteering at Hosea's feed the hungry every year. People are so grateful even for toothbrushes,soap,a haircut, and a full belly on Christmas. It humbles you to see others who don't even have a roof over their heads smiling and so grateful. I hope the coming year gets better for us all. God Bless:)

[Subby Enterprises]

Whoa Willie, on 03 November 2009 - 02:08 PM, said:

I/We only get the kids gifts, and it has been like that for a while. We just visit with each other and that is enuff for us.

Subby, you work hard, do good work, and do it for a very fair rate. And most of all, I trust my stuff with you(priceless), cause I know you'll do it right. Hang in there Bud.

Thank you Willie. That really means a LOT to me!!!

rednekkhikkchikk, on 03 November 2009 - 01:58 PM, said:

I don't have children and have made a point of informing my family that I don't plan to shop for gifts this year. I might bake a cake for each of my parents and for my sisters that my grandmother used to make - and honestly by the time I gather all I need for that I'll have spent as much as I would spend on junk they don't want and won't use, anyway. And I know it will be appreciated (and eaten), because it's absolutely delicious.


The way I see it, they can keep their money, I'll keep my money, and if there's something any of us wants, we can catch a good deal after the holiday. That way everyone gets something they want or need - and at a bargain price, no less.



You are not talking about a regular, full-sized piano, I presume?

Gosh no!!! My digital piano that I play in clubs with my band. We drive my big ole Ford F150 down there, so it fits in very nicely.

[Subby Enterprises]

naturegirl, on 03 November 2009 - 02:31 PM, said:

What?? Why did she get on to you for being practical?? I have always done that with the stockings.

We're only buying for the grandkids this year, things are pretty scary right now.

Subby I believe it will all come back eventually, you know they say it's hard to keep a good man down. Your family understands.

((hugs))

Thanks! Mighty nice of you to say that, and I hope you're right!! All any of us can do is keep our chins up, and not let this get the better of us. I didn't mean to run out after posting this, but I decided to run my mower over the yard and mulch up all those leaves. It was therapeutic, and now my yard looks great.....which made me feel better. Then coming back in here, made my day even better than that!!

[Gee~Tee]

Christmas for us this year will be smaller. I have been buying since christmas clearance last year for this year. I have about got all 3 of our kids finsihed with, except for one big item each for them. I put a bunch on layaway this year just for the kids. I am working cleaning a house 2x a week and all that money made goes straight to pay for layaway. that was a HUGE help.

We are only a 1 income household, and have been for 8 years, but I do side things to make my money to pay for christmas. We have a budget this year for each child, normally I do not set a limit, I just buy until I feel like i have finished. But this year we set a limit and we are sticking to it. We also buy for every family member and we will continue to do so, I just thank the lord above for his blessings and that he has provided for us one again this year.

Teachers,friends, neighbors, and extended family will get homemade goodies.

[BACONFMLY03]

I had a friend bring it into perspective for me. She said when Jesus was born he only received 3 gifts and he was thankful for that. The reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I have lost that over the past couple of years. I have bought my kids so much and they aren't thankful for it. I am taking the approach that my friend told me about, my kids aren't better then Jesus and I am going to make sure that we truly remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. When I was younger my dad would sit us down and ask us why do we celebrate Christmas and we would always answer the birth of Jesus Christ. In doing this I hope my children are more thankful and appreciate things and remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas and that isn't not just to get presents.

[Subby Enterprises]

BACONFMLY03, on 03 November 2009 - 03:08 PM, said:

I had a friend bring it into perspective for me. She said when Jesus was born he only received 3 gifts and he was thankful for that. The reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I have lost that over the past couple of years. I have bought my kids so much and they aren't thankful for it. I am taking the approach that my friend told me about, my kids aren't better then Jesus and I am going to make sure that we truly remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. When I was younger my dad would sit us down and ask us why do we celebrate Christmas and we would always answer the birth of Jesus Christ. In doing this I hope my children are more thankful and appreciate things and remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas and that isn't not just to get presents.

Yep, the good side to this is people are getting back to the real meaning of Christmas!!

[shan06]

I'm crocheting gifts for almost everyone except my kids and fiance. Hats, scarves, pot holders, booties, stuff like that. I'm also making rice packs for those that would benefit from them.

[LisaC]

In all honesty, I'm not sure what we're doing this year. The only thing I've done so far is buy our Christmas cards. I still need to schedule a date with a photographer for our annual family photo and then sit down and decide what we're giving as gifts this year and how much we're spending. I have a pretty good idea of what I want to get for the princess for Christmas, but I don't have a clue about what I'm going to get the hubby - if there's something he wants, he usually goes out and gets it. As for the extended family - I'm not sure yet. We usually buy something for the little ones if we're going to see them and then get something small for the adults.

The princess's teachers at daycare get cash - they like it and I know they need it, especially during the holidays. As for my bosses - I'm just not sure yet, they're very good to me so I like to get them something special (but still in my budget).

[NewsJunky]

Our Family will be buying a gift for the one little one (Grand niece) and a few for the Grandchildren. My Son-in-law would not let us pay him for all of the work he did to restore our house after the flood (even though he could use it for Christmas) so he gets some cash. I will put together cards with my favorite recipes on them, tie them in a ribbon, and they will go to family and extended family. We will cut down on the number of gifts to the kids and Grandchildren. I think even if you have money to spend it would not be a wise thing to do in this economy. Subby you are a hard working good man and the love and care you give your family is worth far more than material things. They know what's in your heart. I hope things get better for everyone.

[MeWhoElse]

Subby, thank you for posting this thread. You have managed to express the feelings of many people that can not do that for themselves, myself included...

[MissSophie]

I like the "little gift" approach.

A small gift card for pizza or McDonald's or Cold Stone or Dairy Queen, or any other restaurant; and I do mean small - like $10 or $15.

A new mouse pad for the computer.

A pair of slippers

A pair of pajamas

A pack of socks

A gift card for gas

I try to buy quality vs. quantity. Sometimes a discount store is great; sometimes not so great; depends on the gift.

I might buy everyone a new pair of slippers - or I might buy everyone a pair of pajamas.

Film for their camera

A pk of barrettes

A tree ornament that directly relates to the interest of that person

gloves

A box or basket of different "tea" flavors, etc.

[spongebob69]

Well i bought Christmas last year the day after with the money i got for Christmas. I buy gift sets and stuff that does not go bad. This year i have began to coupon and have collected lots of personal hygiene stuff so i plan on making "economic stimulus baskets" We all need shampoo and toothpaste and i got them for cheap r nothing at all. Also my husbands family has had of members lose their jobs so as gifts we r bring something from the house we no longer use and r wrapping it up. So that way u get rid of something u r not using and someone else gets something they want. I also buy at thrift stores and yard sales abd give as gifts. One yr my family did a yard sale gift Christmas. Everything u got was bought at a yard sale r thrift store. I also make calendars with my sons pic on it for family they are like 2.50 at walmart to make they love the gift and use it all year. It is hard on everyone u just have to do the best u can and appreciate what u have and not want u want to have. Homemade ifts r the best and r usually kept long after others r gone. Also u could make something with photos like a collage for family membrs

[sungoddess]

Hello, my name is Sungoddess [on Subby's suggesting of starting this way!], and yes, the economy is choking the life out of me too. How to handle Christmas this year: Last year I began cutting back and have already talked to family about cutting back even further. Everyone understands, so we are okay. Thankfully, I still have the same full-time job - though they did not give raises -- and I found a part time job to help since I am a single person on one income. I am thankful for my friends and family, and I have my health, so I cannot complain. Sub, you are a great man and have an awesome family, and I KNOW you will get through this too. AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF ALL MY LAWN EQUIPMENT THIS YEAR! xoxo And Shan, crocheting is an awewsome idea. I used to do that too, and people loved it. Just don't have time anymore.

[momof 3]

Subby Enterprises, on 03 November 2009 - 12:39 PM, said:

This is NOT a poll. I just wanted to start a thread that I thought might be interesting. I have been reading a LOT of news lately on consumer confidence, and the fact that consumer spending (accounting for 70% of the nation's economy) is at a 26 year low, and still falling. As for me and my wife, we have decided give our extended family, a family pic in a cheap frame. And as for our daughters, get them one thing that they wanted, that we can barely afford, just so they won't have a Christmas without ANYTHING. Even then, I'll be having to charge that on my credit card, which (Thank God) I have managed to keep at a low interest rate.

For us (particularly ME, being a dad who USED to make a decent living) this has been the most stressful Holiday season I have ever gone through. I know that some people still have decent work and pay, but I seem to know more people who don't than who do. I do remain thankful that I have been fortunate enough to not have missed any mortgage payments yet, but only by literally killing myself in the process, working 7 days a week on how to make some money, and by drastically undercharging for anything I do- because I know most people don't have the means of paying full price for much of anything right now.

So....Am I the only one lying awake at night worrying myself sick? Surely there are others....???

This is not a "whoa is me" rant or lamentation, but rather....let's call it a "group therapy session", where people can share their strifes about today's economy without involving politics (if that is possible). In which case, I should have started out this thread in this manner-

"hello, my name is Subby, and I am a victim of the bad economy."

We can go from there.

We are setting limits and sticking to them. 2nd grader will be our priority, with the grandbabies next and then the our girls. Not only is money going to be limited this year, but space as well. Since both daughters, a SIL and 3 grandbabies are living with us, our 1800 SF house seems to be getting smaller by the day.

But we are all healthy, have a place to live and tons of love in our house, we're one up on alot of folks.

One thing we are going to do is participate in the Angel Tree at Georgia Power where Hubby works. I figure that with all that we do have, we could do with just a little less to give to a child who has nothing.

This post has been edited by momof 3: 03 November 2009 - 08:09 PM

[LPPT]

All I want for Christmas is bewbie hugs!
I wish everyone could be so easily satisfied!
But alas they will call and ask what do you want and I will sigh and mention something!
What I want for those that I care about is to be economically secure in the coming year.
Please don't spend, come eat a good meal with me and laugh and play.
Give me a hug while we listen to the cheesy Christmas carols.
Pull the little ones on your lap give them the attention and affection they crave instead teaching them to see store bought gifts as a way of replacing real needs with money.

Yes I am a real live scrooge because Christmas never meets my real life expectations.

[NewsJunky]

LPPT, on 03 November 2009 - 08:00 PM, said:

All I want for Christmas is bewbie hugs!
I wish everyone could be so easily satisfied!
But alas they will call and ask what do you want and I will sigh and mention something!
What I want for those that I care about is to be economically secure in the coming year.
Please don't spend, come eat a good meal with me and laugh and play.
Give me a hug while we listen to the cheesy Christmas carols.
Pull the little ones on your lap give them the attention and affection they crave instead teaching them to see store bought gifts as a way of replacing real needs with money.

Yes I am a real live scrooge because Christmas never meets my real life expectations.

You are so right! I will be doing the same things and treasuring every moment with folks I love. That will be the best part of this Christmas. Thanks Subby, you have really made me think about what is most important.

[momof 3]

LPPT, on 03 November 2009 - 08:00 PM, said:

All I want for Christmas is bewbie hugs!
I wish everyone could be so easily satisfied!
But alas they will call and ask what do you want and I will sigh and mention something!
What I want for those that I care about is to be economically secure in the coming year.
Please don't spend, come eat a good meal with me and laugh and play.
Give me a hug while we listen to the cheesy Christmas carols.
Pull the little ones on your lap give them the attention and affection they crave instead teaching them to see store bought gifts as a way of replacing real needs with money.

Yes I am a real live scrooge because Christmas never meets my real life expectations.

You're my kind of woman!!!!

[georgianutts]

I have decided to give a gift that gives back. I read an interesting article in Family Circle this month and it listed various charitable organizations that sell items with all or a percenbtage going into that charity. I am going to buy items that my family members can use and I have chosen to buy from a organization that supports animal shelters. I will put a note inside that says what the gift has done to "pay it forward" for example...this gift provided 14 bowls of food for an animal in a shelter.

I think paying it forward is so important in this world! Happy giving and Merry Christmas!

This post has been edited by georgianutts: 03 November 2009 - 08:29 PM

[Jump 4 Joey]

Jump 4 Joey is working hard to help parents this Christmas season. Because of the down turn in our economy, times are hard for a lot of families. With that being said, when and if we do shop, we need to hit the stores at the time of the big sales: AKA: BLACK FRIDAY!
The problem most of us have is that we have no one to watch our children while we shop for them.

Do you have a place for your children to go at 5am on the day after Thanksgiving so you can enter the stores in time for all of the sales??
Look no further: Jump 4 Joey will watch your children for you in 4 hour increments for only $25.00. That means we will kid sit for you while you shop. .

Jump 4 Joey in Hiram will open at 5am on Friday, Nov. 27th. We will have the front area, in front of our movie screen, open and blankets on the floor so the children can watch a Disney movie from 5am-9am. Your child will also receive food and drinks and will be allowed to play on inflatables starting at 9am. Food options will be available when you sign in your children and you will let us know exactly what you want your child to eat or drink.
Jump 4 Joey is entering the Festival of Trees and your child can help us make ornaments on that day if they would like.

Children must be completely potty trained and can go to the restroom unassisted. Ages are limited to 4K-4th grade. We wish we could widen the age range, but we have to be careful for all the little guys.

Again, the cost is only $25 for 4 hours. Charges will apply if your child isn't picked up w/in the 4 hours. You may drop off your child anytime between 5am-5pm and your time will start at drop off time. We will have every detail down to the hour when you drop off your children and you'll have to leave us w/every contact number possible.

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS. PLEASE email: info@jump4joey or call: 770-222-JUMP if you are interested. We're trying to estimate number of children so we can ensure we have a lot of staff. We will accept walk ins, but please be courteous and let us know that you're coming.

We're really excited to help you out and make this a fun filled day for your children!

We look forward to seeing you,

Jump 4 Joey
782 Cleburne Pkwy.
Hiram, GA 30141
770-222-JUMP
info@jump4joey.com
www.jump4joey.com[/size]

[shan06]

sungoddess, on 03 November 2009 - 07:48 PM, said:

Hello, my name is Sungoddess [on Subby's suggesting of starting this way!], and yes, the economy is choking the life out of me too. How to handle Christmas this year: Last year I began cutting back and have already talked to family about cutting back even further. Everyone understands, so we are okay. Thankfully, I still have the same full-time job - though they did not give raises -- and I found a part time job to help since I am a single person on one income. I am thankful for my friends and family, and I have my health, so I cannot complain. Sub, you are a great man and have an awesome family, and I KNOW you will get through this too. AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF ALL MY LAWN EQUIPMENT THIS YEAR! xoxo And Shan, crocheting is an awewsome idea. I used to do that too, and people loved it. Just don't have time anymore.

Thanks SG. I do love to crochet!! And so many people love what I make. So I figured I'd give each friend/love one and piece of my heart with their gift. I just hope I can find the time between unpacking and work. LOL Oh and I have to find all my stuff too. LOL

[babyblues]

Last year my mom had a very hard time, my parents have always made Christmas very special for the 4 kids and spouses, 11 grandkids and now 3 great grandbabies. Last year they could not afford to spend alot of money on everyone like they have always done. My dad is a paint contractor. He is still working but the jobs are coming fewer and farther between. My mom took a picture of them and had it blown up for each of us and gave the grandkids a 5 x 7. She wrapped them and as we were opening them she started to cry, because she thought it was cheesy to give us pictures. All of us thought it was the greatest gift they could give us, and we all told her so. It will be tight this year for us but, we will be together and healthy. As someone said its not about the gifts its about what we are celebrating. Jesus is the reason for the season. Thank goodness my kids are old enough to understand.

[deewee]

We're only planning on buying for the boys this year. Of course, last year was slim too, but this year might be even tighter. All three of the boys are getting their own tackle boxes, with lures and such inside, and we're getting them new cases for their cell phones. Other than that, I haven't a clue...

[ladybug82525]

Subby I don't know you personally, have never met you and I can tell that you are a man of his word by the responses just on this thread alone. That says tons about a person! Please someone who knows him personally, give this kind man a pat on the back for me.

About eight years ago I found myself in a position that I never dreamed possible since I have worked since I was 13 years old. The job I was working at moved their home office to Wisconsin, I didn't care to move there, I had just left my 2nd husband who I had been married to right at 2 years and had been supporting. I was 45 years old, I took a job where I had to drive, the ex used the money for something other than insurance, I was pulled over, lost my license for 6 months but in the mean time someone was having a "friend" fix my car...it was never returned to me...I could go on and on but I won't, I think everyone gets the message.

That year I didn't have squat! Christmas was spent at my oldest daughters house, we ate good, enjoyed the grandchildren see what Santa brought. We laughed, cried but most of all we celebrated the birth of Jesus and cherished every moment we spent together. After that Christmas, I don't worry as long as my friends and loved ones are healthy and happy. Remember...Jesus is the reason for the season.

Thanks for this thread it brings back memories which at the time I thought were bad, they were not, they were just different. God Bless each and every member!

This post has been edited by ladybug82525: 03 November 2009 - 10:55 PM

[copswife465]

I have been buying for a few months. I have a few things for my son which is who I am going to spend the most on b/c my daughter is only 1 and she doesn't know the difference. I have gotten a few things completely free from here and freecycle. I have also been going to thrift stores and catching things on clearance. I love a good bargain. Today I went to a blockbuster that is closing and got several movies (we don't have cable so we watch a lot of movies) for $5 and $10. I have been living with the bare minimums for almost 2 years now. But, it has taught me a valuable lesson and has helped me get ahead of my bills. It seems like we never have any money but I am the richest person in the world b/c I truly have a family that loves me and I love them. Babyblues is my mom and she's right my grandmother cried to have to give us pictures for our only Christmas gift but, I can honestly say it is the best gift that they could have ever gotten me. I LOVE pictures. They remind me of times I can no longer remember on my own, they keep my dad close to my heart even though he is no longer here with me. Pictures can be around forever and one day I hope to be able to show my grandkids the picture I got for Christmas and tell them what awesome people my grandparents are. Christmas to me is about being with Family and Friends. It isn't about what you get or what you can give. It is just about being there. I think that we as a nation have become too tied up in money and how much we can spend on each other or ourselves. I don't need money to let people know how much they mean to me.

[Sage~]

This is officially the hardest winter my family is having to face. We live day to day in these times. If it wasn't for layaway, I'm not sure how we would make Christmas happen for our kids. Two more payments and I will have their Christmas paid off as well as my daughter's birthday gifts. Her birthday is the day after Christmas.

Garrett and I will not be exchanging gifts, we didn't exchange last year either. The holidays are about the kids and always will be for us. We are thrilled to see our kids filled with excitement when they see that Santa visited them during the night. I don't need material things. All I want is a roof over our head, food on our table and a healthy family. That is what life is all about.

[NewsJunky]

Sage~, on 03 November 2009 - 11:43 PM, said:

This is officially the hardest winter my family is having to face. We live day to day in these times. If it wasn't for layaway, I'm not sure how we would make Christmas happen for our kids. Two more payments and I will have their Christmas paid off as well as my daughter's birthday gifts. Her birthday is the day after Christmas.

Garrett and I will not be exchanging gifts, we didn't exchange last year either. The holidays are about the kids and always will be for us. We are thrilled to see our kids filled with excitement when they see that Santa visited them during the night. I don't need material things. All I want is a roof over our head, food on our table and a healthy family. That is what life is all about.

You are a very wise Lady. You get what should be the most important things to us all. Family First!

[No Job Too Small]

Subby you still do piano lessons?