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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: hensleyll on October 17, 2012, 01:06:57 pm

Title: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 17, 2012, 01:06:57 pm
this seems like the worse year yet no money for christmas
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: Tresbn00 on October 18, 2012, 08:01:17 pm
Christmas is seventy five days away and isn't about money.  One year, when I was short of cash, I went to the internet and found all kinds of ideas on things that could be made inexpensively and were nice enough to be handed out as gifts...probably more appreciated because the gift came from my heart. Have you heard the song/story of the little drummer boy who was saddened because all he had to give was his music?  How touching. We still have to get through Halloween and Thanksgiving yet...the Christmas decorations are just beginning to come out.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ArashiNoSaophone on October 18, 2012, 08:18:45 pm
Like the previous poster said, Christmas isn't all about money; unless you were trying to spoil yourself with something nice, hopefully it doesn't matter when you have enough funds for it. It'd be better to just spend extra time with friends and/or family.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: surveysmillenium on October 18, 2012, 08:28:06 pm
While Christmas is a commercial holiday, it feels bad not to be able to buy gifts. My family will not buy any expensive gifts this year. It's just the way it is. Those who don't like it and feel less loved, too bad...so sad.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ben50 on October 19, 2012, 08:10:08 am
Christmas was terrible for me last year, my wife left, and it was horrible. She is back now, but i don't want to celebrate christmas anymore, I made her leave but now things are not working out again.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: shepherdchik on October 20, 2012, 05:19:44 am
People don't need to feel bad they don't have $ for Christmas. People get so worked up over not being able to buy presents. I stick with simple things, nothing too expensive so I can give something and not go crazy like people do on black friday and silly super sales. I truly believe it's the thought that counts and more people need to realize that and not expect so much. We are all going through a tough time
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ljrjess69 on October 20, 2012, 09:18:37 am
yep christmas time again already,,i lost my mother in febuary,,so christmas sure wont be the same  :'(
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: BK_Adores_Chase on October 20, 2012, 09:30:52 am
Well, I am letting my fiance handle the gifts for the kids but year after year he gets me bomb gifts and I always get him cheap thoughtless stuff (usually beccause I'm broke ) BUT NOT THIS YEAR...Until my last check before christmas I am taking $45 out of every check to get him something awesome!  But today, when I go grocery shopping, I am already going to have to dip into the money I have saved because my check was so small last weeek  :crybaby2:
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ebrunt on October 20, 2012, 11:53:27 am
I'm a little worried, but I also have few people to buy for. My mom, my boyfriend, my dog and my cat. :P Mom & boyfriend don't care if I buy them little things or make them stuff, in fact they prefer it. And the animals... are animals, so they don't care! It's hard because I *love* giving gifts -- even if they're not cheap -- but I have almost no money so I have to curb my desire to spend.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 22, 2012, 08:14:01 am
well started crocheting again going to make things
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: lparker5 on October 22, 2012, 11:14:23 am
clip coupons and get free Christmas gifts like I did...I am all done with everybody on my list go me...good luck and happy shopping you can do it you know you can...Rob peter to pay paul sometimes we have to
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: Boise40 on October 22, 2012, 11:22:49 am
I'm not too worried about christmas or any holiday this year. I will just be happy enough to be with my family for the holidays. I hope they don't expect anything from me because I just have enough money to cover my bills and thats it. I don't think I will have any money to get myself a gift for my 26th birthday next month and I don't expect anyone to get me anything. I will most likely just spend some time at my favorite spot by the river in my town and just wish myself a happy birthday.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 26, 2012, 06:18:58 am
Well we have no money but are going to spend time with the family hopefully that will be enough the little ones are the only ones i think wont understand when they dont get anything,luckily most of our birthdays are in summer only have one uncle who has one on christmas day
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: kingozzy on October 26, 2012, 06:22:28 am
I feel the same, my pickup just broke down and i need it for winter ahead.  Transmission is out costing 1500 to 2000. :(
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 26, 2012, 06:28:12 am
wow transmissions are a pain it took us almost 6 months to get ours right bought the wrong one then couldnt find someone to put it in then had to reoplace all the hoses and gaskets i feel for you good luck! hope it works out for you
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 26, 2012, 06:29:03 am
We found ours at brandywine auto parts in hughesville md,the first one we bought off craigslist
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 26, 2012, 07:03:53 am
Well hopefully all will work out have two gifts taken care only need 20 more
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: sdecaro558 on October 26, 2012, 09:00:11 am
Christmas isn't about the money or gifts - it's about celebrating Christ's birth.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: plennis on October 26, 2012, 09:31:39 am
Yes, we all know Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ.    But the little guys don't understand why they get no gifts.  The ones from about 5 - 10 sort of understand, but it is the most difficult for them to get nothing.  So make things, or plan family (inexpensive) outings together.    We have a tradition where we get or make chili dogs then go driving around (I know with the price of gas, this may be out!) for an evening to look at lights and decorations.  We have a cookie exchange party at the beginning of the month, its great because then you have such a big variety of cookies to give out as gifts to people you want to remember but have no money to!  The mailman (our mailman looks forward to it, he starts asking about the party around Thanksgiving!), the trash collector.  It's a great gift for friends who just don't like to bake, but like to have goodies around for the holidays.    We have a family dinner, only each course is at a different house.  This way we see all the decorations, but the cost of the meal doesn't fall on one person.  I also shop throughout the year at sales (with coupons only) if I see anything that I know someone will like or enjoy (right after Christmas you can get great deals on mittens, gloves, knit hats and scarves or sets of them, and it is something always appreciated).    We make coupons for family members.  My daughter with small children gets babysitting coupons, our grandmother who doesn't drive gets transportation coupons  (we will driver her where she wants to go), coupons to do yard work (snow shoveling or leaf raking) or coupons for housework or cooking and cleaning up a dinner).  You can come up with lots of ideas. When we lived in Colorado, we use to cut, deliver and stack fire wood as a gift, then they think of you every time they are warming in front of the fire.  The gathering of the wood is a great time to have a picnic  with the family, some family  members can't do the physical work for the wood, but they can bring the lunch.  I have a son-in-law who works for the studios, we get discounted movie tickets and you can also get the refreshment certificates too. As a family volunteer a your favorite charity or soup kitchen.   Lots of these ideas cost you nothing but time, you just have to think out of the box a little.    Brain storm, your family may be able to come up with lots of inexpensive or FREE ideas.  The BEST gift is time, to be together.             
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ghunter on October 26, 2012, 11:11:49 am
It is about the kids anyway, Christmas, people have lost the meaning of the holiday, it is not your birthday it is suppose to be Christ birthday so let's praise the Lord if we live to see Christmas!
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: StarlitNirvana on October 26, 2012, 11:56:04 am
Yes, we all know Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ.    But the little guys don't understand why they get no gifts.  The ones from about 5 - 10 sort of understand, but it is the most difficult for them to get nothing.  So make things, or plan family (inexpensive) outings together.    We have a tradition where we get or make chili dogs then go driving around (I know with the price of gas, this may be out!) for an evening to look at lights and decorations.  We have a cookie exchange party at the beginning of the month, its great because then you have such a big variety of cookies to give out as gifts to people you want to remember but have no money to!  The mailman (our mailman looks forward to it, he starts asking about the party around Thanksgiving!), the trash collector.  It's a great gift for friends who just don't like to bake, but like to have goodies around for the holidays.    We have a family dinner, only each course is at a different house.  This way we see all the decorations, but the cost of the meal doesn't fall on one person.  I also shop throughout the year at sales (with coupons only) if I see anything that I know someone will like or enjoy (right after Christmas you can get great deals on mittens, gloves, knit hats and scarves or sets of them, and it is something always appreciated).    We make coupons for family members.  My daughter with small children gets babysitting coupons, our grandmother who doesn't drive gets transportation coupons  (we will driver her where she wants to go), coupons to do yard work (snow shoveling or leaf raking) or coupons for housework or cooking and cleaning up a dinner).  You can come up with lots of ideas. When we lived in Colorado, we use to cut, deliver and stack fire wood as a gift, then they think of you every time they are warming in front of the fire.  The gathering of the wood is a great time to have a picnic  with the family, some family  members can't do the physical work for the wood, but they can bring the lunch.  I have a son-in-law who works for the studios, we get discounted movie tickets and you can also get the refreshment certificates too. As a family volunteer a your favorite charity or soup kitchen.   Lots of these ideas cost you nothing but time, you just have to think out of the box a little.    Brain storm, your family may be able to come up with lots of inexpensive or FREE ideas.  The BEST gift is time, to be together.             

I really love a lot of these ideas, so creative. Thank you plennis for sharing them! I may have to try out the coupon idea  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: bholmes618 on October 26, 2012, 02:06:22 pm
I find Christmas season to be extremely stressful.  Not my favorite time of year.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: dauna on October 28, 2012, 06:48:18 am
I try to start getting ready for Christmas early because I find it less stressful to do this.  Still--it often feels as if I barely breathe between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  What I yearn for is peace and quiet and a chance to reflect.  What I often get is a lot of sound and fury that seems to signify very little.  I don't know why noise and chaos are often so much a part of the process.  I would sum it up this way:  I love Christmas, but I hate the "Holidays."
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: sdenimandlace1 on October 28, 2012, 07:30:31 am
WE will have a small Christmas this year, it will be nice just to stay at home and do nothing.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: dreamyxo on October 28, 2012, 08:36:08 am
I don't celebrate anyway so makes no difference to me.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: aconroy on October 28, 2012, 09:29:25 am
I know it's crazy how fast the year is almost over. :wave:
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: sammywantsya on October 28, 2012, 11:20:49 am
i love xmas going to a trip very soon
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: laurindat on October 28, 2012, 11:44:54 am
Christmas has become such a commercial holiday lately :- it ain't all about the money!

I actually just got a job in a few weeks ago, my first job ever! so I'll have more money to spend this year, although i probably won't be spending too much different from previous years.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: alaskakaren on October 28, 2012, 04:28:22 pm
I'm always so happy when the holiday's are over.  I smile the day after New Years...
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: pattersondebra on October 28, 2012, 04:30:55 pm
I am also strapped so I have been buying gifts all year so it wont be so hard on my pocket book.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: nguzman1 on October 28, 2012, 05:23:26 pm
Geez so true. This is the first year I am really, really broke :(
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: pgk1965 on October 28, 2012, 05:34:49 pm
i think it will be a hard christmas for a lot of people this year
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: gramev64 on October 28, 2012, 07:04:21 pm
I really don't need anything and I don't have money to spend on foolish things that other people just put on a shelf, etc.etc.  I asked my daughter if she would just make some portion meals for my husband and I, so I could just take them out the freezer and make a meal.  That would be the best gift ever!!!
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: black1304 on October 28, 2012, 07:11:49 pm
There is a book called "The Christmas Jar" that I think everyone should read.  It's not very long and you can find it for $3-5 online.  My boyfriend introduced me to it.  It's basically about a couple who throw their change in a jar everyday when they get home and what they have by Christmas time is how they buy the presents that year.  Eventually they get to a point where they are established and don't need the jar money anymore, so they give the jars to someone in need.  We have started doing the same.  This year we have 2 jars to give out.  We also include a copy of the book so that hopefully one day someone we helped will pay it forward. 
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hitch0403 on October 28, 2012, 07:17:55 pm
Christmas is seventy five days away and isn't about money.  One year, when I was short of cash, I went to the internet and found all kinds of ideas on things that could be made inexpensively and were nice enough to be handed out as gifts...probably more appreciated because the gift came from my heart. Have you heard the song/story of the little drummer boy who was saddened because all he had to give was his music?  How touching. We still have to get through Halloween and Thanksgiving yet...the Christmas decorations are just beginning to come out.

The little drummer boy and grandma got run over by a reindeer have to be the 2 stupidest songs ever.

Yes,as a child i was fooled too....but seriously even common sense now would tell you they are dumb songs.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: champak97 on October 28, 2012, 07:41:09 pm
Christmas is not about money and gifts that could be bought with money, although it would be nice to have some gifts. The most important things in life are always intangible, and we have to appreciate what we have.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hitch0403 on October 28, 2012, 09:39:50 pm
Could someone explain to me how Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jesus are linked?



Also...open up your bible to Math 2 :16 and read about what king Herod did to all the 2 yr olds in the land after the astrologers didnt report back to him where Christ was.

Sometimes you have to let go what you were programmed with when you learn the truth.

Read about Saturnalia in the encyclopedia...the pagan celebration that became Xmas.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: falcon9 on October 28, 2012, 09:44:52 pm
...open up your bible to ...
Sometimes you have to let go what you were programmed with when you learn the truth.

In order to do that, religious adherents would have to let go of any 'biblical programming' to distinguish reality from that mythology.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: falcon9 on October 28, 2012, 09:49:59 pm
Quote
Read about Saturnalia in the encyclopedia...the pagan celebration that became Xmas.

"Saturnalia" was an ancient Roman festival in honor of the deity Saturn originally held December 17th and later expanded with unofficial festivities through December 23rd, (not the 25th).  However, pagan winter solstice celebrations were later assimulated by xtians to subsume celebtations/festivals/rites taking place between December 21st and the 25th, (the date range of winter solstice).
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ktheodos on October 29, 2012, 01:50:46 am
Already started listening to XMas music - favorite time of year!
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on October 29, 2012, 05:27:44 am
well we going to take it slow and pray we all survive this huricane
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: mrisha on November 01, 2012, 12:13:34 pm
I don't worry about Christmas because I don't have money to spend on gifts and that doesn't bother me also.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: 6265AT99 on November 01, 2012, 12:20:10 pm
this seems like the worse year yet no money for christmas

Since most people are in the same boat  - no money for Holiday Shopping - now is the time to get resourceful!!!!  Use your hidden talents to "make" gifts!!!  Take a look at some of the unique things that can be made by browsing through some of the craft books at your local craft store.  You will be amazed at what can be accomplished!!!!  For instance, did you know you could make beautiful butterflies or dragonflys out of empty 2 ltr. soda bottles!!!! And the best part is the gift you give will be cherished even more than a store-bought baubble!!!!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: bleyd on November 01, 2012, 08:53:17 pm
Yeah..this year seems to be a little worse than last year, financially.  We didn't spend a lot on gifts last year...just got gifts only for nephews and nieces. May have to do the same thing this year.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: rabbitpbcup on November 01, 2012, 09:36:50 pm
I am excited for the holidays just to spend time with my family! ALTHO this year i may have to work on the holidays i dont mind too much a job is a job and i am thankful to have one =)
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: ricdsm on November 01, 2012, 09:50:28 pm
Money will be tight for Christmas this year but I still love it.  I have the people I love and that is most important.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on November 02, 2012, 08:08:55 am
we only could do grandkids last year this year not looking much better but maybe we can swing our parents  this year,and yes we spend the entire holidays on the road going from house to house
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on November 06, 2012, 04:49:54 am
thanks for the encouragement going to try maybe one gift a week
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: shortnlovabl3 on November 06, 2012, 08:48:48 am
i'm using all my survey sight money.  and keeping a budget of everyone under 20 dollars except my son. hes just turning one so he'll get to enjoy this year :)
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: natashaspy on November 06, 2012, 12:01:18 pm
the best christmas we had was when my son was younger and we made each other gifts instead of buying them.  we had fun making them and they meant so much more than the ones you just go out to buy
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: timandvicky1 on November 06, 2012, 06:38:36 pm
I think the gift shouldn't be expected, having holiday time, eating a nice meal, playing games with the family, and just visiting while eating a dessert should be good!!  Don't feel bad, all should be able to understand.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: LenoraMinogue on November 07, 2012, 07:10:44 am
I'm excited that Christmas is coming. It gives me a nice excuse to remind the people in my life that they are important to me.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: dwggs on November 07, 2012, 07:13:38 am
Christmas is a time for family to get together & have fun.

Last year was a little tougher money wise but we still all had a good time.

Still can't believe we are this close so fast ... better get my butt in gear & start my shopping.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: lovekittytam on November 07, 2012, 07:21:05 am
I can relate to that. I have to cut back a lot on presents this year.
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: drpybutt on November 07, 2012, 07:33:45 am
You are not alone. This is the second year of not being able to do much at all for Christmas.  :BangHead: This is how I have been feeling. Jobs are tough to find here
Title: Re: christmas coming
Post by: hensleyll on November 07, 2012, 11:29:03 am
well now i really have no money for christmas ,emergency tooth extraction