We had to spend our savings on the house due to it being essential. No way around it.
In other words, we have literally no money for Christmas this year. I’m going to try to figure out how to save money on food and gas in order to get each of our 3 kids one present.
But I’d have to feed a family of 4 on less than $140/week. This week I’m managing to feed us with $84 so that’s a start.
Plus, I’m on a low calorie diet which also helps, because I’m eating very little.
I’m really bummed because I love giving my nieces and nephew, parents, kids, and husband presents. I love watching everyone light up. I put a lot of effort into finding just the right gifts. So yeah, I’m quite sad about it.
I enjoy the getting together more than anything else tbh, i like to play a game with my nephews after dinner its really the only time we get together like that.
There may be some free concerts at a local church you could attend, i have been to a few here and they were great, singing Christmas Carols is really good for my mood esp when its cold.
Have you considered going to your local food bank for a few months? You can pick up a few bags of groceries and when Thanksgiving and Christmas come around they often give food especially for the holiday like stuffing, cranberry sauce, yams etc. And my food pantry gives out $50 gift cards to Safeway on holidays plus the usual groceries.
its really the only time we get together like that.