Anyone Else Have The Holiday Blues

**Hollyhandi** · 11-16-2005, 07:29 AM

How do you make it through the Holiday Blues?
I try to be frugal and figure we'll have enough money for the
Holidays, ( My family isn't into homemade ).
I have been truthfully crying and depressed trying to figure out how to make my family have a good Christmas.
I'm not trying to bring anyone down but I am at the bottom and see no way back up.
I would sell cookies and pies but I don't even have the money for the ingredients to do them...
Could anyone give me some ideas..
My health isn't good enough to clean others houses or watch kids.
I've tried crafts but they don't sell. Also don't have money to enter craftshows or a car to get to them...
I can't talk to others about this as they blast me for not working.
At the moment thats not an option either....

**nodmicks** · 11-16-2005, 07:35 AM

I'm sorry Holly! I don't really have any advice at this moment. I tend to dislike Christmas every year and have some resentmet but I don't want to take over your thread.
How old are your kids Holly? Maybe that will help with some ideas.
Hugs Holly!!!

**Hollyhandi** · 11-16-2005, 07:40 AM

Only one kid 17 and his girlfriend 16.
Also have a boy in Hawaii that I need to send something but he's easy (gift certificate to Barnes and Noble ).
Also I have to find a gift for one neice 17 ( kids draw names ).
She's easy as she wants a Rachel Ray cookbook.
Then just my BF other than that.....

**Scattymum** · 11-16-2005, 07:50 AM

I know how you feel Holly, all I can offer is ((((Hugs)),)) i'm trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel here, I'm sure its around the corner somewhere.
More (((Hugs))))

**daddys3chicks** · 11-16-2005, 08:05 AM

HUGS to all of us! We are in the same boat. I guess for us this year is a little different because the huge debt weight has been lifted. And although we are strapped and not able to do the things we want for Christmas, we do have our home, our cars and our health. We could have easily lost our home and cars in the bankruptcy.

Can you give "coupons" as gifts? Maybe a coupon for a homemade meal for someone, or a special dessert? How about a homemade photo album with your memories of the special pictures?

I know it is hard - we are so there. HUGS!

**nodmicks** · 11-16-2005, 08:06 AM

Holly~ I sent you a pm.

**Hollyhandi** · 11-16-2005, 08:28 AM

Thanks everyone for the Hugs.
I knew this board would understand...
I thank God every day that we have the farm and can grow veggies and stuff for winter.
Its the utilities and stuff that have me so straped. Just does'nt seem to be enough to go around.
I will figure it out I guess I just needed to vent.
They are getting some things made and cookies and candy for here.
God will provide a way I'm positive
Just don't see how to get much else....

**Michelle** · 11-16-2005, 09:17 AM

Do you have anything you could sell on Ebay?

Does your family know how upset you are? I would be crushed if my mother were feeling this down about buying (not being able to buy) gifts. I am sure that they would much rather you be happy than stressing out about buying them gifts.

I'm sorry things are so hard for you right now. I hope they start looking up soon

**Hollyhandi** · 11-16-2005, 09:48 AM

Thanks everyone,
Nothing to sell on Ebay.
I don't let my family know much about my feelings. Learned a long time ago .
BF is trying to pick up every extra day of work he can right now but it's not much. Keeps us in feed for the animals, gas money and food.....
I hope you and yours all have a Wonderfu holiday

**jlxian** · 11-16-2005, 11:16 AM

Big Hugs to you Holly (and everyone else who is blue this time of year). I so sympathize.

Of course we all know that we don't have to spend tons of money to have a good Christmas. IMHO its all about the LOVE that you share with each other. I bet your family will understand that the money just isn't there for the extras. You will make yourself totally miserable if you keep this bottled up inside yourself.

I've read posts here and on other sites about families that are strapped for cash at Christmas and how they make a game or challenge out of setting a dollar limit for gifts and extras. Could you present this as an option, just for this year, for your group?

One year my sister and her family were very strapped for money and the gifts they gave were either ones they made or things from their home. Everything was well appreciated. They told us up front that that they were having trouble and not to expect much. It didn't matter --- we just enjoyed being with them at Christmas. One of the things they made was spice mixes blended from the spices in their spice cupboard --- like curry or chili powder. I loved getting those.

I hope your holiday is bright and filled with lots of love, Holly. Another big hug to you!

**Michele Annette** · 11-16-2005, 12:27 PM

**Hollyhandi** · 11-16-2005, 02:10 PM

I'll think about it. Thanks everyone
Hugs back

**hollyhill** · 11-16-2005, 02:33 PM

Hi Holly

I understand ccompletely!!!!! My Dh is a student and I am a homeschool mom of 3. I do tutoring but every penny goes twords bills.
We are in the same boat.
And I am dreading Christmas.....
Everyone around me is talking about buying this and getting a deal on that. And I sit quietly and cringe inside.
My children have a small list of things this year and I said no it will need to wait. Children are children and they get so excited by the holidays and the expectations.......
I hate it.
Last year I felt more creative but now I just feel tired......

**Mamaw** · 11-16-2005, 05:49 PM

I am with you ladies. The holidays have lost most of their meaning and I also have some resentment toward them. But, we are all doing the very best we can and we simply can not do any better. Hugs to you all!

**Nada.Leona** · 11-16-2005, 06:26 PM

Xmas was never my holiday. Hallowe'en is my favorite time of year. Xmas seems so comercialized and overdone anymore. I'm glad I don't have kids yet at this time of year.