amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

Korwynne · 11-22-2007, 03:40 PM

*sniff* don't suppose there's a detour through Washington on the way, is there?

stephanielynn · 11-22-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Meeshi~

Funny how perspective can change in two years time. When I posted this thread initially, we were doing AWESOME financially. Now that we're in a serious financial disaster, I am sweating over not being able to get anything for the girls. Luna won't understand, but Nico and Kaya will surely notice. Feast or famine, it is all perspective.

i'm so glad you said that, meeshi. i am usually SO excited about simplifying and the minimalism i practice at christmas, but it has always been voluntary. now that we don't have enough money, it's a bit depressing. i REALLY want to be totally fired up about the 6 sort of used presents i've gotten for ds at yard/consigment sales throughout the year. i REALLY want to be happy about our decision not to buy anything else for him and not to get anything for 6month old dd, but it's just not that fun. not nearly as fun as totally voluntary...lol!

Barb · 11-23-2007, 07:38 AM

ok. I've thought and thought about posting and I've not done it but here I am. I haven't read the other responses either.

I'll admit it.

I love to shop.

Its 4:35 on black friday and I'm getting ready to leave now. I've bought stuff. Lots of stuff. And I will probably be buying more stuff.
I haven't worked outside the home in 7 years. It is my first Christmas with a paycheck in the bank and one coming next week. Tom is working and getting overtime. It won't last and we know it. There is some money saved for either disney or the next lay off or both.
We have debt and not from buying tv's or going on cruises but from feeding our kids and fixing our vehicles and paying medical bills when I wasn't working and past layoffs.

I like shopping. I like nice things. I am buying my friends and family nice store bought gifts this year (and some nice wahmama made stuff too), but it is not a frugal, hand made, thrift store christmas this year and I"m ok with that.

We will be packing boxes this weekend to take to the shelters as we always do this time of year. We will declutter, we will share our good fortune and we will make room for more stuff lol.

Sorry. Its true. Its funny cuz its true.

Ok - time for me to shop. Have a good day ladies

Momwithahook · 11-28-2007, 11:26 PM

You can search out some organizations in your area and donate to them. In America the needs around Christmas time are usually pretty much met but what about Mexico, Canada, Russia, etc... I would have to check my links but there is an organization that builds homes for family's in Mexico as well as offers education.

You can try donating to Habitat of Humanity , The Farm, and sometimes even just talking to some friends you might find someone close to you with a real need. Does someone need a little extra to make this months rent?

Not sure where you live but even here in Ca it gets pretty chilly in the evenings and I can't imagine being out there in the night without a nice warm cap, gloves, and coat.

Wouldn't it be the most Awesome thing to leave a bus boy a $50 tip? Talk about way out there! No one ever thinks about them, the waitress gets the tip and splits it with the bus boy but what about just giving to him. Most likely that $50 will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

How about offering to fill the gas tank of a low income family? Most people know who it is in their communities that struggle or are a little less well off.

Job Tips can also be gifts. If you know of a job that is available, spread the word.

Blankets are a great gift as well.

Children are really easy to please. They really don't need a lot but we love them so much. Give them Time and a listening ear and some playful moments and they'll love you to pieces.

Great topic Meeshi.