Is anyone else freaking out yet?
By katsmeow1213
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
United States
December 10, 2010 12:52pm CST
I started to this morning even before I got out of bed. It dawned on me there are only a couple Fridays left until Christmas!
This week all our money is already gone. We had to pay 3 bills this week... and just those bills alone are going to overdraw our account. On top of that I had to do grocery shopping and I still need to get gas.
Well I picked up a couple small things while grocery shopping.. and got a good chunk of the stocking stuffers done. But I'm still no where near ready for Christmas!
I'm making a list of gifts I do have for my kids.. I've been getting a little bit each week. So far I have around 7 things for the older 3 (but some of it is like slippers and pj's.. not really any toys).. but my youngest currently only has 3 gifts, and it is a pair of slippers, a pair of pj's and a book.
I only have 2 more paychecks to get this done.. and I'm getting a lot of pressure from hubby because I need to save money for him so he can get me a few things.. which he hasn't even started doing yet.
I just feel like I'm so behind this year. In previous years I've started layaways or something so the bulk of my shopping was done early. I also had previously signed up for baskets from different charities so I'd get a couple small gifts for free for my kids. This year I did none of the above so I'm doing it all myself and am so far behind! Yikes!!
I also wanted to get a family portrait done before Christmas, but it doesn't look like that will happen either. Guess I'll just attempt to do one at home like I did a few years ago.
Is anyone else as far behind as I am?
5 people like this
18 responses
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
11 Dec 10
I don't ever get freaked out. I've been known to wait until the last few days to buy Christmas gifts. I sometimes take my daughter and her kids shopping and let them pick out whatever they want. Don't know if that will happen this year since there are only 2 Saturdays to shop. And I can't do it tomorrow since we are going to a Christmas party at a friend's.
My husband and I don't buy one another anything anymore. We usually get something for ourselves and it's usually after Christmas. I bought myself a new pair of jeans and a sweater to wear tomorrow night, so I'll call that Birthday and Christmas. My birthday is next Tuesday.
We buy a few gifts for our son/wife/2 children and daughter and her 4 children. And then we give them all some money or a gift card. We now have 1 great granddaughter who will soon be 10 mos, so that is one more to buy for.
I just thank the Lord I'm alive and everyone is well this Christmas. My daughter has gone several Christmas's unable to buy for her children. And they lived. I don't think it's gifts at Christmas that makes it special but the getting together with family or friends and enjoying the time together. I know children like to get gifts, but I grew up in a time when we didn't get much for Christmas and I think we appreciated the few things we got much more than kids do now days. Most kids will put aside any toy in a few minutes after they open them, unless it's one that they really wanted.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
11 Dec 10
No matter what it takes I'll give my kids the best Christmas I possibly can. My mother was always broke but I still had good Christmases while growing up. I may not have gotten expensive toys or toys I really wanted.. but I always had a good number of presents under the tree.. and that's something I appreciate to this day, how hard my mother worked to ensure I had a good holiday. Hubby's parents were the same way. We were both talking recently about some of the gifts we'd gotten.. and we both know they didn't cost much, but that isn't what mattered to us then.. and obviously those inexpensive gifts have stayed in our minds all these years. I'm actually looking for a few of those to get for my kids this year.. like a loom set that made potholders.. I had it as a child and hubby's sister got one as well. My daughter would love that!
My kids understand our situation, so for the most part they're gracious no matter what they get.. but I know that when they're older they'll appreciate it even more, knowing what we went through to do this for them.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Dec 10
I'm one of those weirdos who seems to thrive on getting things done at the last minute, so no I'm not freaking out yet. But yes, I'm as far behind as you are. :D
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
It's not so much the lack of time that's freaking me out, it's the lack of money. I love to shop, so getting it done wouldn't be the issue if I had the money to do it. Even though I knew I couldn't spend extra this week, I still just couldn't help myself.. I probably spent $50 today that I didn't have on Christmas stuff. Makes you wonder how far I'd go if I did have money, LOL.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Dec 10
Money is a stressor too. I have bills to pay off, will have less income, will be moving, will be doing things on my own. So my kids are not getting as much this year.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
Something you'll be looking forward to for many years to come. Isn't your soon to be ex helping with their gifts still though?
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (161006)
• United States
10 Dec 10
Neither my husband nor I work. He does have some Social Security, and I still get unemployment for a few more weeks. My kids are grown. I have bought for the grand kids, have something big planned for daughter and son in law, but I have to get started with saving my online earnings for it. Nice thing is, we will not do Christmas with them until January. I have hubby's Christmas, but his birthday is Jan. 4. I know what I want there, as well. Major gift for son who lives with us is backordered, but I have paid for it already. I have to pay part of the bills for this month, and still give hubby money to buy for me.
@GardenGerty (161006)
• United States
10 Dec 10
Some tax places ran a special and gave early partial refunds. My niece told me about that. I do not have the paperwork to do it, but I would not, anyway.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I also do not have paperwork yet. The minute we get our w-2 forms I do the taxes online and e-file them. We get them like 3 weeks later and it doesn't cost us much at all. Last year we got them just before Valentine's day. So just another 2 months until we have that money.. but it would be helpful if we could have some of it now.. even just $1,000. Oh what I could do with that much money! LOL
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I wish we could get an income tax check for Christmas or something, LOL. I go through this every year. It never seems to be good enough, I always feel behind. I am trying to convince hubby it will be okay while at the same time I'm completely freaked out that it won't be.
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
11 Dec 10
I don't have a choice..I have been done for a while. Only because I have to ship so much of it that in order for things to arrive to the families I have to ship early. I have shipped to Afghanistan....Germany...Wisconsin.....New York....Tennessee....so you see I am forced to be done. But I do alot after Christmas when things are on sale. I got beautiful ornaments for everyone last year at 90% off....and also a bunch of other things. I store them so when it's close to Christmas I open my big tub where I store them and it's like Christmas for me too....I forgot about a few things I bought for myself...It was fun!
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
11 Dec 10
Every year I say I'm going to stock up on things after Christmas too.. but then I never do it. I'm usually very broke right after Christmas as well. This year I do hope to be able to get a few new ornaments for next year because we're planning on changing the colors of our tree. We want to go multi color instead of continuing with our blue and silver theme. Multi color is easier to find ornaments!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Dec 10
Oh yes, I have done nothing much. The tree is up and decorations - not many of them as no new ones were bought. I did wash drapes etc. My daughter did buy a gift each for my grandchildren and I had bought a few nice smellies in the U.K. on sale to give out as gifts to friends who never forget me The adults in my family are giving each other a hug and a kiss or just a small token gift of US$2:00.
Tonight I am baking two Christmas cakes and 2 or 3 more over the weekend. Some will be cut in half and gift wrapped to give to some old people in my community. I am not buying turkey as a smallish one is about US$100. This is madness so I am buying two roaster chickens and ham over the holiday.
You have children and there is always the stress of wanting them to have a wonderful Christmas.
I will also have the stress of my eldest sister,'she who must be obeyed'
I gave my bonus to the tax man but the Villa will give me a bonus that will cover the food part (I hope) I am going to be busy at Villa as even on Christmas afternoon, guests are arriving and as they leave on New Year's Day then another set arrive. I give thanks as it means that I will earn extra money to save for the wedding next year. Is it too late to sign up for the charities to get extra gifts for the family? Try - you may get lucky. Thibk of me running between two jobs and having the sister
I gave my bonus to the tax man but the Villa will give me a bonus that will cover the food part (I hope) I am going to be busy at Villa as even on Christmas afternoon, guests are arriving and as they leave on New Year's Day then another set arrive. I give thanks as it means that I will earn extra money to save for the wedding next year. Is it too late to sign up for the charities to get extra gifts for the family? Try - you may get lucky. Thibk of me running between two jobs and having the sister@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I called the local charity to see if it was not too late, I'm waiting for a call back, keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm also expecting a little bit of money from an aunt in Florida.. hopefully that comes soon, we've been expecting it for the past week at least. That will allow be to be darn near finished if that comes.
I'd like to be able to get something for my mother, sister, and FIL, and of course I have the kid's teachers. But that's it!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
10 Dec 10
Go to dollar store or thrift store and see if you can buy tapered candles. Tie 3 or 4 into a bundle with red ribbon and attach a card saying 'Jesus is the light of the world'.Bet it doesn't cost you US$2
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I've done stuff like that.. it's a cute idea.
I usually get the kid's teachers gift cards to the coffee shop. A $5 gift card will get them coffee and donuts at least twice, so I think that's a neat gift, especially if the teacher likes coffee.. which who doesn't? LOL I just figure with each teacher having 20 or so kids they must get too many mugs and chocolates...
My mom, sister and FIL.. well I don't know yet, but whatever we get them it will be under $10 each.
@marguicha (223885)
• Chile
10 Dec 10
I am not the typical person who spends money for Christmas so I don´t have that problem. A lot of my presents are homemade and are good things to eat. I make jams for Christmas (it´s Summer here so fruit is cheap and besides I have my apricot tree). I start hoarding sugar in November. I can´t do it in October because we have too many birthdays in our family.
This year my daughter´s cherry tree gave a lot of cherries. So I´m also doing cherry jam (I´m using the smaller jars for that as I only got the surplus). I have 3 medium sized jars now and will start next batch with smaller jars (the ones from tomato sauce). And I already bought 2 of the 3 toy presents I buy for the smaller ones.
So I´m almost done witth the money part. A will have to wait until almost Christmas to make the apricot jam though. My apricots are not ripe until then.
Merry Christmas!
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
Sounds like a good plan. I have 5 little kids though.. so I have to spend the money, not an option.
@marguicha (223885)
• Chile
10 Dec 10
It was different when the kids were small. But now I don´t buy a big presents; my daughters do. I just go and squeal with the kids when they open their presents. None is much interested in my jams until a couple of days later.
.
@AmbiePam (94119)
• United States
11 Dec 10
In the past I've been ready for Christmas by December first. All the gifts are usually wrapped and waiting. Not so this year! And just today, the gift I got my brother-in-law arrived at my apartment. I think it looks cheap. It was 24 bucks, but it looks around five dollars. I got him another small gift, but I just feel like it is not enough. But I can't think of what I can get him that I can afford.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
11 Dec 10
Well you've got a lot on your plate right now.. so that's probably why you're a little behind. I often have trouble finding the right gifts for people.. I tend to just wander around the store and find what speaks to me. I'll see something and immediately think "So and So would LOVE this". So far nothing has hit me like that for my 3 year old.. guess I'm just gonna grab him a bunch of cars, he loves cars.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
15 Dec 10
I am just as stressed as you are. I hardly have any gifts for my kids and Christmas is a little over a week away. My husband has nothing to open Christmas morning and I hate that. I know he doesnt' really mind, but I sure do. UGH!! I do not have any spending money as all of my money went to bills and since he hasn't worked much either it really doesn't seem to feel like Christmas.
I wish my husband would give me money to buy something for him, but he won't as he wont' even give me money for kids.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
15 Dec 10
It is hard to get in the Christmas spirit when we're not even sure if you'll have gifts to give on Christmas! Thankfully I'm now to a point where I can consider 3 of my kids just about done.. and the only 2 that aren't are the younger ones who are fine with cheap toys. Hubby is not done shopping for me yet, and I still want to get like 3 more things for him.. but we still have 2 paychecks to go until then, and no more major bills. I think we'll be okay.
Good luck to you, hope you're able to get everything you want to get for your family!
@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
15 Dec 10
I too have to admit that I somewhat stressing out. Both myself and my husband are. Our finances are very tight as it is, and neither one of us are sure as to how we are get through it. Although, I do have admit that my husband is stressing out quite a bit more than I am. I'm just trying to convince him that everything will be fine, despite the fact that I'm really not sure how it's going to work out.
@bookreadermom08 (5614)
• United States
10 Dec 10
Yes, I am just as far behind as you are...I just had a baby 6 weeks ago and wanted to have the bulk of my shopping done before he was born only that didnt happen because I didnt have a car, my hubby was out of town for a few weeks for work and I was only able to get around with the help of others.
I have a few gifts but not near what I was hoping to have by now... I have my mom, my stepfather, my brother and his girlfriend, along with my son (7 yrs old) and daughter(almost 3 yrs old), and fpr the newborn I really only plan on getting him 3 things and I already got one of them.
My husband is back in town but I have been recovering because I had my 3rd c-section and a tubal so getting around has not been easy. I was hoping to do more online, which I can after this weekend since I am expecting a little bit of money so that I can purchase the gifts but I am still stressing about the time I have left and how much I need to get.
good luck to you, I hope you get more on track. Happy Mylotting.
good luck to you, I hope you get more on track. Happy Mylotting. @katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I can imagine that's pretty rough. I know many people have been in that situation. Good luck getting it all finished up.. I'm sure the adults in your life will understand if you can't get them anything spectacular... just focus on making it as special as possible for your older 2 children.
@buggles64 (2709)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I am not behind at all this yea, because I have made all of my gifts and only bought a couple of things for my Mom and my youngest two children. There's food in the house for the next month...thank you and I do have to get gas in the car. I don't have to worry about money coming in, because what does come in, I will be putting toward my debt. All is good, and I am almost all ready for Christmas this year.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
10 Dec 10
Lucky you, you sound completely organized. Wish I were.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
13 Dec 10
Although I'm not nearly as far behind as you are this year, I still feel like I am behind. You see, we haven't gotten our Christmas tree up yet because I can't get the kids to cooperate with getting that area of the house ready. However, as far as shopping goes, I've pretty much been done with that for about a week (I would still like to get a pack of underwear for all four of us from the cats and dogs, but if I don't make it, it's not a big deal). I collect Amazon gift cards through the year so that I can do the bulk of my toy shopping on there and really not spend any money out of pocket.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
13 Dec 10
Good plan. Well I got some money from hubby's aunt today, so I did a bit more shopping. The stocking stuffers are nearly done.. and the older 3 kids are nearly done. I still have to get stuff for the younger 2, I don't know why I'm having a problem getting them stuff this year, but thankfully they're the easy ones because cheap toys still please them. I want to try to be finished this weekend so I can stop worrying about it and just finish wrapping it all.
@rendevouz (82)
• Philippines
11 Dec 10
People like us who have budgets for a month's expenses always can't have an abundance of gifts or whatever for christmas due to a global financial crisis. You are lucky in a sense that you can buy all these things for you loved ones as well.Actually, your choice for your kids should be minimal to make room for other important items. Our kids don't love us any less if their gifts are only one or two. It's the feeling of being loved and remembered. They go through life following your example...it is not the quantity of your gifts but its quality. The home stuff you mentioned could be bought any month of any year not do them all on Christmas.The family portrait could be done anytime and scatter the expenses. How about an outing on Christmas? Small gifts like books,etc.will be appreciated especially if the one being given is fond of reading.In my case, months before I buy a few at a time, store them in a cabinet then before Christmas wrap each one in festive wrappings.I went through the same problem as you did.But I analyzed things already.
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
11 Dec 10
I have 5 kids.. no matter what it's going to be expensive.
@ManUtd77 (15)
• Canada
11 Dec 10
Personally christmas should not be about how big the gift is, how much its costs, or what it is. This Christmas im so excited to spend it with my fiance well hopefully she says yes and i know that quality time is worth and always will be worth more than any gift or surprise i could receive. in all honesty people have lost sight of what christmas truly stands for that family and the love that surrounds them should be first not greed. Hopefully you are still able to have an amazing and loving christmas i wish all the best to you and i hope no matter what, that everyone at least smiles once.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
11 Dec 10
Nope I am done, but also my Son and Daughter are Adults now so it is a bit easier
I started my Christmas Shopping in June on Ebay and have got all now as I picked up bits every time I did my Shopping to and I will do this every Year if I see something I know someone will like I will get it and put it away for Christmas
But I know with little ones it is not that easy I do hope that you will get it all done
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
11 Dec 10
Not freaking out at all!! I had a couple of things I needed to get tonight, and I just went and got them. I came home, wrapped three presents, and I'm ready to see Mom tomorrow. My husband and I are going out of town for Christmas, so we are getting together with family early. :) I have everything all ready to go.
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I try not to let myself freak out over the holidays. It takes all of the joy out of it. We should be enjoying this time of year instead of letting it worry us. @terryt52 (243)
• United States
10 Dec 10
I am stressed also. I have always been the person who had everything done,wrapped and decorated by Thanksgiving. My husband lost his job a couple of years ago and is making 35,000 a year less and I am paying medical bills from having cancer a few years ago so everything is very tight. My husband and I do not buy each other. So that is one less worry. The rest I will do what I can do and that will be it. I really try to bring the real meaning of Christmas in our lives along with the kids being spoiled. I am grateful for just being here for another Christmas. Every one is having it tough so just take a deep breath and all will work out. Hope and pray you will be okay and all will work out
