christmas & job

Hey esrine, I think you should be honest to your family and friend, as they love you so much, they won't blame you for not buying them Christmas gifts. A family should hold together to get through those hard times instead of all by yourself. Home is a place that make you relax and true to your heart, best wishes to you and your family...

I know how you feel about not having enough money. I am currently not working and my husband's hours were cut back drastically. What my husband and I are doing for Christmas is that I am making home made gift baskets full of goodies (home made cookies, home made candy and home made bread). I also bought ceramic ornaments (any craft stores sell them cheap) and I paint them myself. If money is extremely tight I would pay the bills first so you do not end up losing your home, power and any other utilities. I wish I could help you out.

You should never spend beyond your means and always have a "rainy day" savings. So if buying Christmas gifts is going to dip in to either of these either dips into the savings or puts you beyond your means then refrain from buying those gifts. Homemade gifts can also be very appreciated and done on a small budget; so you may consider doing some of those type things. There are always great craft ideas online that you could do. Now, if you have small children that you have to deal with for the holidays and are struggling to figure out how to deal with them, look to some of the agencies in your area. I know we have the Salvation Army, Marines Toys for Tots, Sargent Santa, and the Christmas Mother that help out parents here locally to provide for their children. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and may your 2010 find you new prosperity.

I would not shop for the holiday's this year. My family would just have to understand. You know your bills have to be paid. I wish you luck in finding another job. It is very hard to survive these days. I would not want to read about you losing your home next. Please don't shop for gifts this year.

Hi esrine, sorry to hear you got laid off. If i where you i would set up how much cash i have left and try to be organised. If the results from your calculations that you can't afford to pay your morgages/bills, then try save as much money as possible. What you can do is buy some low cost items for your family and friends, like a mug, chocolates. If you don't have enough money just send your relative some christmas cards, and maybe you can tell them about your situation, i'm sure they will understand.