We are broke, I have been laid off. We're hosting Christmas at our house this year, and can't afford gifts. Family knows our situation. Would you expect us to give out something (even if its small) or expect nothing but food?
We were thinking about giving out small boxes of homemade goodies (cookies, etc). Would that be enough?? Would that be rude? We don't want everyone leaving empty-handed, but like I said, we can't afford much...
Any ideas??
I voted "that's enough" but in all honesty, if a family member were in your situation, I wouldn't even go there expecting to be fed. Just being together with family/friends should be enough.
Terri
Luckily the way we do it is everyone brings a dish. So in the end, we don't end up making too much. I've been putting money away for this dinner, and really just enjoy the family and friends being together. So I don't mind that part at all : )
Quoting offrdngal:
I voted "that's enough" but in all honesty, if a family member were in your situation, I wouldn't even go there expecting to be fed. Just being together with family/friends should be enough.
If you are that hard up, is there anyway everyone could bring a dish? I can't imagine expecting a family under financial strain to host a holiday meal!
I am a Canadian,breastfeeding (it IS best, there is nothing even close to that nutrition and bond), co sleeping, extended rear facing (if you don't rear face to the maximum of your seat, you're NOT doing all you can to protect your child), baby wearing, Non spanking (I want my kids to respect me, not fear me) ANTI- CIO, homemade baby food making, cloth diapering, organic (chemical free household!) recycling mama to TWO! My husband is my equal and best friend, not my master and I believe basic health care should be a human RIGHT, not a privilege.
You have to clean your house, make most of the food, and clean up after everyone. In this economy and with your family knowing your situation, I would hope they wouldnt expect much more than you feel you can do resonably do.
My mom was worried about eating on paper plates on Thanksgiving with my in-laws coming too. My hubby told her, 'If they are offended by paper plates, they can go have their Thanksgiving by themselves.' My in-laws wont be offended and may not even notice.
Quoting singingoutloud:
You have to clean your house, make most of the food, and clean up after everyone. In this economy and with your family knowing your situation, I would hope they wouldnt expect much more than you feel you can do resonably do.
My mom was worried about eating on paper plates on Thanksgiving with my in-laws coming too. My hubby told her, 'If they are offended by paper plates, they can go have their Thanksgiving by themselves.' My in-laws wont be offended and may not even notice.
Our family is really laid back. They wouldn't care if we eat on paper plates. They're crazy if they think I'm going to be washing a million dishes! (Most of the rest of them have dishwashers)
We are broke - but not in your situation. However, the only people we shop for are the kids. If you can i wouls get the girls like 5 dollar barbies and the boys little cars, something little but will keep them more than satisfied... of course cookies will probably do the same lol
IMO it's more than enough. I generally buy for everyone in my family including extended family. However I can't afford that this year and i'm going to be giving out goody boxes as well (chocolates, cookies, mini muffins, etc). Sounds like an awesome idea to me and most people appreciate homemade gifts better anyway! Good luck :)
Quoting marriedmomma3:
We are broke - but not in your situation. However, the only people we shop for are the kids. If you can i wouls get the girls like 5 dollar barbies and the boys little cars, something little but will keep them more than satisfied... of course cookies will probably do the same lol
Maybe something cheap. I work til 4:30am on Black Friday - maybe I'll go to Walmart or somewhere and get some little stuff for cheap...
We have a 4 year old boy, a 2 year old boy, some teens (which I don't plan on getting anything), and my own 7 yo boy, 2 yo girl, 9 month boy. Any ideas on those ages?
I think just having dinner would be fine, we have gotten to were we have all decided that we are not buying gifts, really it's not what Christmas is about. The only ones that give out gifts is Grandma's for the family dinner. We get together have dinner and hang out together. We do play a thing called dirty bingo. The kids can play too.
They do get there gifts on Christmas morning from santa. But as for buying for everyone in the family we just can't do it and everyone understands.
Videos
Bio-Identical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones - Suzanne Somers Breaking Through
Suzanne Somers Breaking Through
Suzanne Somers talks to her gynecologist Dr. Prudence Hall, and Dr. Abe Morgentaler [author of 'Testosterone for Life'] about synthetic hormones, bio-identical hormones, and how these hormones affect our bodies in different ways. Bio-identical hormones can be incredibly helpful in treating, and potentially eliminating, the many side effects of menopause. Find out more in this episode, and don't forget to subscribe to see a new episode of Suzanne Somers Breaking Through every Thursday!
Watch More Videos from CafeMom Studios ››
Neighbors Had Reported Possible Abuse of Malnourished Wisconsin Girl
- momof3jam
on Nov. 24, 2009 at 8:01 PM