I usually like christmas, but this year

I'm sure you're not the only one who is feeling the pinch this year considering how bad the economy has been. It must be particularly hard for those with big families. In the past I've known a lot of people who get a holiday job to cover those extra expenses. I worked at a cookie company once for a few months and it was a lot of fun. If that's out of the question granted Christmas is a little close but you can try cutting back on your expenses somewhat and saving now. A lot of people through out the year create a special saving account and put a little money in it each month to help around the holidays. Granted its a little late now but perhaps that is something you could consider in the future. Also I do not know where you live or what your situation is but I know a few people who in a pinch will actually donate plasma. They make an extra $200 a month by going twice a week. It sounds like a pain but it probably sure helps in a pinch. Either way you should cheer up though. Christmas is all about being with loved ones and for me when it comes to gifts its the thought that counts. I've gotten some pretty lousy gifts but as long as there was thought put into them I appreciate it....This coming from a women who got a fish for her birthday from her boyfriend. Granted it was an expensive salt water fish but still a fish in a bad is not a gift you give a women lol.

It just costs too much to normally live now days. To add gifts and trees to trim and all of that it is very costly. When there is only on paycheck and that isn't much there just isn't much to go around. I feel the pinch every month when the 3rd rolls around. I have to chose which bills to pay and which to let go. Not fun.

I think we are all feeling a little bit of that pinch around this time of year. In my family we just buy for the kids, but I may go in with a couple of family members to get a couple of family members a nice present, if that makes sense. I am going to try to keep it as simple for the kids this year as I can. We have a lot in the family but I only buy for my niece and nephew. I am hoping you can scrounge up a little extra cash to get by and afford a few gifts.

I don't think that you need to worry about not feeling anything positive about Christmas just yet, because there are a number of weeks to go yet before you really have to think about it. I know that a lot of the people are trying to get organised early this year because of the fact that they don't have all that much money, and being organised means that they can spread the costs out over two months rather than needing to get everything sorted out earlier. I have almost finished my shopping, and I have to say that I am very pleased about that.

a pleasant day joystick, well, as the many people says, we should be happy whenever Christmas season is coming. since this is the day Jesus Christ has born. despite of many problems and trials in life, we should be thankful and be joyful during this day. after all, problems and trials will surely pass with the help and grace that our Lord God will give. anyway, Merry Christmas and may God bless you.

Christmas is really something that the last year or two, it just seems like a handicap rather than a holiday. Granted, I've said this last year, and I did get a bit more into the holiday spirit as the day got closer. However, it just seems like there are many things that I need to get in order. Not the gift buying, that's long since done. It's just due to the mental preparation of the entire holiday. Of course, I guess that might be just a reflection of everything that is going on in the world. There are just many times where it just seems like everything cannot just get in order. I doubt you're the only one who is feeling the heat regarding the holiday season. It is only going to get a bit more frustrating for many as the season gets closer.

Do what my family did one year. We looked for gifts at garage sales. We found books, movies, and all sorts of stuff that was like new, but cost like 90% off what they would cost in a store. And we set a low amount to spend on each other.

In our China, we don't celebrate Christmas that much, but as I think, costing money is an inevitable thing during holiday or festival celebration, just take it easy, if u don't have a lot of money spending on cards or gifts, why don't u choose a sheaper way to celebrate, like making ur gifts urself?

I dont normally get the mood until mid november . I am looking forward to Christmas but I may not get all I want but I hope I get something better . Life is full of surprises maybe you will get in the mood later in november and also get the extra money needed for drink and gifts .

Both my Christmas and Halloween are a bit off this year possibly even the new year. Parents have moved to London for work and they are coming back for a week but since I am new in my job I am working Halloween and probably Christmas eve and boxing day, the money is good so I guess I can treat everybody to nice gifts this year but at the same time it is unlikely I will be spending much time with my family. Think sometimes you have to sacrifice one for the other sometimes unfortunately. You are totally right about things going up in price though, if I hadn't come across a new job I would have been screwed, Christmas is such a pressure, I sort of look forward to it being over.

commercialization during this yuletide season can drown the mood. Christmas' celebrations is often defeated with what the stores are telling - buy this, buy that - when we can celebrate the occasion simply. do not stress yourself. if there is no money, there is no money. Christmas will be over and done with, and there will be other Christmases. cheers!

I am not into it yet either, but I think after Halloween I will be. I have been so busy with school and trying to set up an online store so I can sell my jewelry online (I make earrings) and my clay ornaments. I am hoping to get a lot of things done this weekend so I can get everything online by November 9th. I have homework to do, but if I can pull a couple of all nighters I can get my crafts done.

hi, i loved Christmas especially when i was a kid because i really enjoyed it because some people and relative gave me money,but now that i grew up,i am now the one who will give money to my nieces and nephew and some of my godson and goddaughter.

Well the good thing is there is still time. As we still have almost 2 months till xmas day. I hope things get better for you there.

Maybe you need to stop and think about the reason for the holiday. no matter your religious affiliation, it is a time to enjoy family and friends. I understand the lack of funds and that tends to put us off. It seems to be a reminder of how broke we are. What we do in our family, during tough times, we make homemade gifts. As far as food and drinks when people come calling, just do less and lower cost stuff. They really are not coming for the food, they are coming to enjoy the day with you. Use your imagination and the internet! and you can come up with some pretty great low cost ideas if not free! Instead of pricey appetizers, put some cut up ot dogs in bbq sauce. If it is a dinner, who says you have to buy an expensive prime roast? How about a shepherds pie instead? what about making your own drink? Instead of spending a ton at the liquor store, make your own Kahlua, it takes cheap vodka then stuff you probably already have on hand.

oh i so know how you are feeling! i too am having trouble making ends meet this year. we have extra jobs and still we find that things are tough. i will be making a lot of gifts this year for sure.

Why not make gifts instead of buying them? Most people have some sort of talent that can easily be translated when it comes to gift-giving. For instance, I am a good photographer and writer; that could mean doing something such as creating a personalized movie for the recipient with photos, videos, music and/or text. You really do need to remember that the focus of a holiday should be the holiday itself. Don't let crass commercialism ruin holidays for you.

Hi Joystick. You are right, everything seems to be going up. It's difficult to be living in any part of the world without money. This is really sad but do not let this affect your festive mood. If you are feeling the pinch this year, why not try to scrimp and source for some other cheap stuff so that you don't have to spend so much? Are you able to pay all your bills at this moment? If you are really tight this year, maybe you should try to explain to your relatives and maybe they will understand that you are not able to buy them gifts this year?

The commodity prices rising sharply is a worldwide issue,everyone in our world have to face it not just you,so I think all of us should face the reality and get through it.So dear my friend,pls no need to worry about your bills and just make it as usual,just be happy in your happy time,The car will find its way round the hill when it gets there -- things will eventually sort themselves out.

Though Christmas is like that as of now not only love is shared, people are expecting gifts from you even money so to lighten up your day. you should be thrifty by now. But if its really tight, when they visit tell them to bring their own food...so that the blessing be shared and you will give them money in return that's another way around to share and give...though the spirit of Christmas is love....so shared your love it is not expensive i guess.