Christmas For Necessities

United States
November 6, 2015 6:52pm CST
This year is a hard one for my household. This last move really took a toll and we have to replace a lot of things that were left behind that couldn't fit in a small car. *sigh* I'm sure that my kids will be happy with the plan that I have for Christmas. I want to somehow hide the bunk beds that I need to purchase for their mattresses and keep them hidden until Christmas eve. If I can have them sleep downstairs, then hopefully "Santa" will have a brand new bed set in their room on Christmas morning. It disheartens me that I can't live up to the standard decorated rooms that commercials display. Luckily for me, my children are growing up to appreciate the few things that they have and I'm hoping that beds will be appreciated more than an Xbox or other things they wish for.
12 people like this
12 responses
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
7 Nov 15
Your discussion is very hard for me to read and i can't like it. I know you are trying to do right for your children but don't want to pry why you are starting over. I'm sure as long as you and they are together that is all that counts right now,,many Churches help those in need and don't forget all the food banks, apply for FS and help there too. I'm not knowing which state you are in but please ask for help/assistance. Some people helped me many years ago when i was a single mom and they adopt families for the Holidays. so i was picked...Hope you get that same like i had. You and your family deserve it. hugs
2 people like this
• Centralia, Missouri
7 Nov 15
@Kazemononoke I've had to leave everything behind and start over with nothing more than a car load a couple of times, it can be super hard. Still, small cheap things can be found that kids love, used items, second hand, swap and shop, even free things can sometimes be found, I have hope that miracles will find your way this year
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt Thank you. I actually work pretty hard to find alternate ways of making money. slicethepie.com, mylot, flipping yard sale items on craigslist, swagbucks, babysitting. You name it, I've already probably done it. Ha ha ha.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Nov 15
Thank you. We had to move closer to family to assist my husband's grandmother with his grandfather's passing. We didn't have enough money to rent a Uhaul and had to leave a lot of stuff behind. I have every intention of applying for the Christmas angel program, but I know toys won't be as good as the feeling of comfort for my children.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
7 Nov 15
pffft, commercialized things are over rated! Maybe later they can help paint, and you can find a cheap bedspread, and let them do some of their own decorating to make it cooler, but not break the bank
2 people like this
• Centralia, Missouri
7 Nov 15
@Kazemononoke librarys sometime have book sales too (and events for kids for free)
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt The books that I end up buying are 75 cents for hard backs. Little golden nuggets for my 10-year-old to have when he is "bored" without electronics. lol.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Nov 15
I've found lots of nice things that are discarded, offered for cheap. I love going to our local thrift store for books for the kids. I think books are better for them anyway.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (161010)
• United States
7 Nov 15
As an older parent I will say we had a few tight Christmases, yet when I talk with my adult children they do not ever remember feeling deprived, only loved. I am sure your children will be the same. How old are they?
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Nov 15
I have a 10-year-old, a 5-year-old and 3-year-old. What's worse is that my ex-husband has my son until the end of the school year and his trailer burned down. My oldest son lost everything. He needs new clothes in addition to the extras like toys and whatnot. :(
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
7 Nov 15
The media create unrealistic expectations and put too much pressure on parents.
2 people like this
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
7 Nov 15
Waoh i am sure they will love it,it will be a nice surprise for them
• United States
7 Nov 15
I hope so. My kids love anything new. I went to a store called 5 below. They were so excited when I got a 5 dollar star projector that has multiple color lights.
1 person likes this
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
7 Nov 15
@Kazemononoke Be asured they will love them
@JudyEv (342285)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Nov 15
There is a lot of pressure on parents over Christmas. Hopefully things will improve over time. As @GardenGerty says, as long as your children feel loved, they'll survive a tight Christmas.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Nov 15
I think so. I'm happy that I have children who are so understanding. Last Christmas, we were moving the family to anticipate my year assignment to Korea and I explained to my oldest son about the circumstances and that it would be a tight Christmas. Later that day, we went to a place that donated gifts and he chose to give up some of his choices for his little brother. It made me so proud.
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
7 Nov 15
It's very hard to see your children going without the things you want to give them. I hope you can surprise them with the bunk beds. I hope you will be able to establish your family in your new location and that things will get easier for you.
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
11 Nov 15
It is impossible to decorate our house as the commercials lead us to believe. We are not interior designer, and we do not have the money to buy all the expensive furniture. Anyway, simple living always makes for happier life.
@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
7 Nov 15
I can see from reading all the comments below you've warmed all our hearts. Continue loving your kids the way you do, and include them in creating their new environment.
@LadyDuck (472160)
• Switzerland
7 Nov 15
You can surely find nice bunk beds in a thrifty store. With a little money you can paint the bed and also repaint the walls of their bedroom and apply some decorations. Look around you can find discarded books and material that is still good to use.
@amnabas (14720)
• Karachi, Pakistan
7 Nov 15
Okay so waitingvfor this huge woiden surprise gift on christmas.
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
7 Nov 15
Computer games can be very addictive. Best to keep them away as long as possible!
• United States
7 Nov 15
I know. We try, but then again, I'm not the best influence while trying to use twitch tv to make extra money.