Low Budget Families and the Holidays

Remember that children often copy the attitude of their parent or parents. Sometimes they don't agree with it and do the opposite. Therefore, if you are having feelings of depression, stress, guilt, etc your children are going to reflect those feelings as well. Turn the situation around into a positive and produce actions that show optimism, happiness, courage, etc and your child is going to see this and feel the same. The best attitude we can have is a hopeful one. It will teach our children that no matter what the situation is, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel.

I know today in the world we live, that light can seem rather dim. The jobs are few and far between and cash is tight in almost every home. I know how that feels. Right now with the Christmas season coming upon us and 3 young girls, it is more depressing than anything to know that they may not have much of a Christmas. However, I try to remember the better side of it. I have 3 beautiful little girls, a wonderful fiancé, a roof over my head, food on my table and heat to keep us all warm. These are my Christmas presents. No they may not seem like the traditional gifts however, I see them for what they are. The things that make our life continue.

We won't have the traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year, but I am ok with that. This year we are going to sit around the table and have dinner together just like always, without the fixings. Does it really matter what you eat if you are together with your loved ones? Thanksgiving isn't about the turkey and the stuffing but the family and the love and giving thanks for the things you have and the people in your life. Are you thankful for home, the heat that keeps you warm, the food that nourishes your body?

Why do so many lose the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas? Why does Christmas always have to be about who gets what and how much it cost? Isn't the true purpose of Christmas to celebrate the birth of Christ?

Here are some wonderful ideas for celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with little to no money.

Gifts can cost a lot of money. This is especially true when there are many people you wish to buy for. However, you can get and create gifts that are inexpensive. Making gifts comes from the heart and everyone appreciates these. They don't need to be fancy. You can make anything from a new year calendar to a personal hand-made Christmas card. Make up a basket with a coffee cup and a package of cocoa or tea. Coffee cups can be purchased at thrift stores rather cheap. Use your imagination. Everyone likes gifts that are unique.

When celebrating thanksgiving, instead of having a huge Thanksgiving dinner that you can't afford, make a favorite meal. Sit around the table with your family and loved ones and talk about the things you are thankful for. Have a potluck Thanksgiving. I know that most people don't like the idea of potlucks, but then everyone gets a variety and they all share in the expense. This works well for Christmas too. Remember that it isn't about the food you are eating, but the family you are eating with. As long as you have them, you have something to be thankful for.

To decorate your house you can use a package of construction paper and sit with your children and make decorations. For Thanksgiving, you can make turkeys, leaves, pumpkins and squash or anything else that comes to your mind. Again, be creative. For Christmas, you can make snowmen, Christmas trees, snowflakes, presents and again anything else you can think of using your creative mind. You can find extremely cheap decorations at thrift stores and yard sales as well.

If you are having a hard time coming up with decorations and gifts, give Freecycle a try. Visit www.freecycle.org to find your local freecycle group. There are many who have an overabundance of Christmas decorations and would be glad to share them with you. Don't be afraid to give a gift that has been used. As long as it is in good condition, the receiver with be grateful.

If you would like to hear more ideas on creating your own Christmas gifts, what to have for that special dinner or just want to talk, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back with you. Just remember that the season is for your family and your loved ones. Spend it with them and enjoy this time you have no matter what you are doing or how much money you have.