Worried about the holidays? Having a hard time making ends meet?

[C.Ann]

Well you're certainly not alone.. It doesn't appear to be a unique situation..

As of today:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/..._fi/us_economy


The unemployment rate unexpectedly jumped to 9.8% in November - a 7-month high..

There are currently 15.1 million people unemployed..

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It doesn't sound like things are going to improve by Christmas, so for those who have posted here about being depressed or down in the dumps, know that you're not alone!

It's time to dig down deep for your creativity.. Gifts are nice, but in all reality, they are secondary to where the focus of Christmas should be.. No "gift" can replace time spent with family and/or friends - nor should it..
Gifts also won't replace the religious aspects - if you're so inclined..

Here's a nice article:

http://www.emotionaltoolkit.com/etk/newsletter_200812.shtml

Lots more out there if you google the subject.. Might just pull you up out of the dumps..

And don't forget - the best gift you can give yourself - and your family - is a smile on your face and a positive attiude!

 

[hulagirl87]

We are definitely part of the "unemployed" right now. DH was let go last month. And I am a SAHM to our DD. But he is on an interview as I type this and has another one Monday. So fingers crossed!!!! It has been a rough month especially with holiday time, but with the help of my very loving and giving mother we have been able to make ends meet and buy some gifts for our daughter's first Christmas. DH and I aren't buying much for each other though. Not a priority this year!

 

[SplashMo]

We are doing an advent calendar. World Market has them for 50 cents currently. Even if not just placing a piece of candy adds a lot of excitment to the season for a little money.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Thanks C.Ann.

 

[SplashMo]

We always make French Toast Egg Nog for Christmas Morning. After stockings and before presents. It adds a lot to our morning.

 

[rileysmommy]

My dh may soon be part of that 15.1 million.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

singing is free! turn on your radio to the holiday music and sing a long. The kids love it!

 

[C.Ann]

We are definitely part of the "unemployed" right now. DH was let go last month. And I am a SAHM to our DD. But he is on an interview as I type this and has another one Monday. So fingers crossed!!!! It has been a rough month especially with holiday time, but with the help of my very loving and giving mother we have been able to make ends meet and buy some gifts for our daughter's first Christmas. DH and I aren't buying much for each other though. Not a priority this year!

Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for your DH - along with a quick prayer..

Your attitude is a great one.. Have a wonderful holiday season!

We are doing an advent calendar. World Market has them for 50 cents currently. Even if not just placing a piece of candy adds a lot of excitment to the season for a little money.

Great idea!! Sometimes I think parents don't give their kids enough credit.. Often it's the very little things - not the X-box or Kinect(?) or American Girl doll - that truly makes them happy.. (Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying parents shouldn't buy these things if they're in a financial position to do so - but if they aren't, there's no need to feel guilty or sit around in a depressed state of mind..) Instead, throw in quality time with family doing Christmasy things that don't cost a dime (or very, very, very little money) and they're happy as clams.. I've had some very, very rough holiday seasons when my kids were little, but if you ask them now (as adults) what they remember, what made them happy and made the season exciting - none of them will mention a single solitary material "thing" they received.. It's always the "time" and the activities..

I remember the first Christmas after my DH passed away.. It was such a hard time (as a matter of fact, today is his birthday), but by then I was living with my DD and her family during the winter months and there was no way in heck that I was going to ruin my DGD's holiday season by sitting around with a long, sad face.. (She had just turned 7 that first Christmas..) I remembered a saying I had heard once - in regards to cheering oneself up - "Fake it till you can make it" - so I slapped a big old smile on my face and we carried on as usual - right down to the traditional Christmas cookie baking marathon that my DGD & I have done together every year since she was old enough to kneel on a chair and hold a spoon in her hand.. It was really hard - because my late DH was our official "Christmas cookie taster" - but I managed to pull it off and by Christmas Eve, my smile (and attitude) was no longer "fake"..

Keep those positive attitudes flowing - even if it's only for your children or grandchildren - it really does make a world of difference..

 

[HLDisney]

I joined the 15.1 million over the summer. My unemployment (which is only enough to cover my monthly maintenance fee and COBRA insurance payment, leaving nothing for food or other expenses) will run out at the end of January.

I'm very blessed that I don't have any mortgage or credit card debt and I've been able to save up a bit over the years so that my DD and I will be okay for a while living on my savings but I do worry about how long I'll be unemployed.

For Christmas this year, I've definitely cut down quite a bit on my gift purchases. With the help of the Disney VISA reward dollars I've saved up the past few years (which was originally going to go towards our next Disney trip but I don't think that's going to happen in the next few years now ), I've been able to keep my Christmas gift spending to under $150 total for my DD and all of my family and friends (I used to spend about $500 in total)

I'm making a lot more gifts this year which I think will actually be more meaningful for the recipients. And my DD and I are enjoying the extra time we get to spend together now that I'm not working. So over all, I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.

Helen

 

[C.Ann]

My dh may soon be part of that 15.1 million.

I am very, very sorry to hear that - sending up a quick prayer for him as well..

Keep the faith though.. Put a smile on your face and make your own "merry"..

singing is free! turn on your radio to the holiday music and sing a long. The kids love it!

And don't forget to dance!! The sillier and the goofier, the better! Kids just love it when their parents or grandparents act silly and goofy.. Nothing makes my DGD laugh harder (she's 12 now) than watching me dance around the kitchen - singing at the top of my lungs..LOL..

 

[tomaszewski58]

It is toughest on the kids who have grown accustomed to being overwhelmed with gifts. But I assume this might be a good lesson for them

 

[mjbaby]

One of my favorite sites is CannyWomen (http://cannywomen.com/) for resources about "DOing instead of BUYing". Some of the site's content is subscription, but most of it is free, free, free and very supportive. I refer often to the information about making memories instead of bills.

Another favorite post: The ABCs of Do instead of Buy gift ideas (http://cannywomen.com/domore/?page_id=287).

Although the current economic climate is affecting some of us more than others, we're all in this together. I hope this information is encouraging.

 

[bigmama67]

I've been downsized 3 times in the last 19 months. The last job only lasted 5 weeks but the attorney and I definitely did not get along and so I had a bad attitude. Since Labor Day I've been home with my kids and I was feeling a bit discouraged about sending out applications lately, but I just got an e-mail from a recruiter I met with months ago and he is submitting me for something else. Also my DH sent me an interesting article yesterday about how some people do get hired during the holidays so people should NOT suspend their search.

I'm burned out on paralegal work and working towards my M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education but it will be a couple of more years before I get it. I'm hoping to get a teaching job next fall...I'm sure going to try...but if I have to do the law firm thing a bit longer, then so be it.

My unemployment and the $ we save on daycare/after-school care just about make the mortgage, but we haven't been sticking to our budget and so we have almost no savings left. Basically, if we are more disciplined hopefully we can weather this.

 

[threecrazykids]

My DH was unexpectedly laid off on Monday. It came as such a shock to us, we really felt his position was secure. I of course go into full panic mode first....then think rationally after a mini panic attack and crying fit. He's been sending out resume's to everyone we can think of. It will be a HUGE struggle but we are keeping our heads up and keeping a positive attitude. We are going to be ok for awhile but I'm hoping I can impress a Christmas that will be more about spending time with each other versus getting gifts.

 

[StephMK]

Great idea!! Sometimes I think parents don't give their kids enough credit.. Often it's the very little things - not the X-box or Kinect(?) or American Girl doll - that truly makes them happy.. (Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying parents shouldn't buy these things if they're in a financial position to do so - but if they aren't, there's no need to feel guilty or sit around in a depressed state of mind..)

Keep those positive attitudes flowing - even if it's only for your children or grandchildren - it really does make a world of difference..[/B]

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you are enjoying happy memories of him today.

You are so right about kids loving the little things. DS8 past favorite gifts (other than wii from my parents) have been a slinky and a Rubik's cube. All the kids went nuts over their $1 Target calendars last year. This year's selection was not as good but I found 3 that will work.

I hope all of those struggling to find jobs are able to find what they need soon.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

do you have snow? this could take a good chunk of time and is so fun! Get everyone out in the snow to take a picture for the holidays - try all different poses -- funny ones. Change your clothes - make everyone match or wear hawaii print summer shirts in the snow etc -- anything crazy. Then email the picture and a holiday greeting to all of your friends. Be sure to keep the picture for your selves as well.

 

[C.Ann]

I joined the 15.1 million over the summer. My unemployment (which is only enough to cover my monthly maintenance fee and COBRA insurance payment, leaving nothing for food or other expenses) will run out at the end of January.

I've been able to keep my Christmas gift spending to under $150 total for my DD and all of my family and friends (I used to spend about $500 in total)

I'm making a lot more gifts this year which I think will actually be more meaningful for the recipients. And my DD and I are enjoying the extra time we get to spend together now that I'm not working. So over all, I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.

Helen

Great attitude! Personally, I love to receive handmade gifts.. When I think of all the time and effort involved, it certainly makes me feel like I'm very special to the person who would do that for me..

I will be hoping and praying that things take a turn for the better with your employment situation very soon..

It is toughest on the kids who have grown accustomed to being overwhelmed with gifts. But I assume this might be a good lesson for them

I agree - and particularly the older children.. When you have kids aged 13 and up, there's no reason in the world that you can't be frank with them about the financial situation and even encourage them to get a job - or odd jobs - so they can pitch in and help the family.. Those are the times when everyone needs to pull together..

A lovely, memorable, fun-filled holiday season can be had even when there are no "material" gifts involved.. It's what you make of it - and it's up to the parents to set the tone..

One of my favorite sites is CannyWomen (http://cannywomen.com/) for resources about "DOing instead of BUYing". Some of the site's content is subscription, but most of it is free, free, free and very supportive. I refer often to the information about making memories instead of bills.

Another favorite post: The ABCs of Do instead of Buy gift ideas (http://cannywomen.com/domore/?page_id=287).

Although the current economic climate is affecting some of us more than others, we're all in this together. I hope this information is encouraging.

Thanks so much for sharing those links.. I'm sure they will be helpful to many.. Quite a few years ago I had a book called "Be Your Own Santa Claus" (can't remember the name of the author) and it had various chapters related to getting through the holidays without totally wearing yourself down to the bone; budgeting; alternatives to materialistic expectations; getting your kids involved in focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and getting away from the "gimmes"; and so many other things.. I still have it here somewhere - probably up in my DD's attic.. Unfortunately I don't think it's in print anymore, but it was a great book and helped me out several times during the really "tough years" - that would pop up at will..

I've been downsized 3 times in the last 19 months. The last job only lasted 5 weeks but the attorney and I definitely did not get along and so I had a bad attitude. Since Labor Day I've been home with my kids and I was feeling a bit discouraged about sending out applications lately, but I just got an e-mail from a recruiter I met with months ago and he is submitting me for something else. Also my DH sent me an interesting article yesterday about how some people do get hired during the holidays so people should NOT suspend their search.

I'm burned out on paralegal work and working towards my M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education but it will be a couple of more years before I get it. I'm hoping to get a teaching job next fall...I'm sure going to try...but if I have to do the law firm thing a bit longer, then so be it.

My unemployment and the $ we save on daycare/after-school care just about make the mortgage, but we haven't been sticking to our budget and so we have almost no savings left. Basically, if we are more disciplined hopefully we can weather this.

It sounds like you're on the right track - and you have a good mind set.. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

My DH was unexpectedly laid off on Monday. It came as such a shock to us, we really felt his position was secure. I of course go into full panic mode first....then think rationally after a mini panic attack and crying fit. He's been sending out resume's to everyone we can think of. It will be a HUGE struggle but we are keeping our heads up and keeping a positive attitude. We are going to be ok for awhile but I'm hoping I can impress a Christmas that will be more about spending time with each other versus getting gifts.

I'm so sorry about the lay off.. It's even worse when it just hits out of the blue like that - with no warning or inkling at all..

However - the portion of your post that I bolded is exactly what I've been talking about here.. With your positive attitude, I'm sure you will have a very happy holiday season..

With any luck, your DH will be called back to work very, very soon..

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you are enjoying happy memories of him today.

You are so right about kids loving the little things. DS8 past favorite gifts (other than wii from my parents) have been a slinky and a Rubik's cube. All the kids went nuts over their $1 Target calendars last year. This year's selection was not as good but I found 3 that will work.

Thank you for your kind words.. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me today if I'm "okay".. I almost feel guilty for saying "yes".. My DH battled cancer and a multitude of other serious health issues for 10 yrs. before he finally passed away.. The last 6 days of his life were horrendous - he was in such horrible, horrible pain - so tired of fighting - and he just wanted it all to be over with.. I would never, ever wish him back in that condition.. Do I miss him? Every second of every day.. But - I'm at peace - knowing he's at peace.. I'll probably get a little teary eyed when DGD and I do our baking marathon - thinking about our "cookie taster" not being here - Christmas Eve - and then again on Christmas Day.. But I'll just quietly slip out of the room for a few minutes, compose myself, and come back with a smile on my face.. Yes - my DH is gone, but I am so very, very blessed in other ways..

I agree that the big expensive gifts aren't necessarily the ones that end up being a sure fire hit.. I remember one Christmas when I bought one of the kids a gift that I was sure was going to be an all-time "WOW!!".. Once I removed it from the large box (after it had been unwrapped) the gosh darn kid climbed in the box and played with that for days and days - until it wore out.. Never even glanced at the toy... Boy - did I ever learn a valuable lesson that year!
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Keep your chin up folks - a smile on your face - and a positive attitude in your heart.. If you're consistent, it tends to rub off on those around you..

 

[Disneyfan1977]

Hi All
I was laid off on march 1st with Zero notice after 16+ years with my company. I received zero severance and have not been able to find a full time job. I ran an office manager and now I am working part time as a dishwasher in a lab for big pharmaceutical company. I was desperate and though I am slightly embarrassed when people ask what I am doing, I have to have additional income. Unemployment allows me to work part time while I collect so that helps somewhat. But I have seen the number of available jobs drop DRASTICALLY since my layoff in march. At first there seemed to be a good amount of jobs to apply for (though I only got one call for an interview) but today I found 9 jobs for my entire state on careerbuilder.

We have two kids and luckily my husband is still working but even with the unemployment benefits and the part time job, I am no where near what I used to make.

I am still angry that I got the boot and the person I worked for was like family (or so I thought) and I have basically have my world turned upside down.

To make matters MUCH worse, I lost my 35 year old sister to breast cancer on 7/13 and we are still mourning that. I know it may sound harsh but I wish we could just skip the holidays.....

 

[C.Ann]

Hi All
I was laid off on march 1st with Zero notice after 16+ years with my company. I received zero severance and have not been able to find a full time job. I ran an office manager and now I am working part time as a dishwasher in a lab for big pharmaceutical company. I was desperate and though I am slightly embarrassed when people ask what I am doing, I have to have additional income.

We have two kids and luckily my husband is still working but even with the unemployment benefits and the part time job, I am no where near what I used to make.

To make matters MUCH worse, I lost my 35 year old sister to breast cancer on 7/13 and we are still mourning that. I know it may sound harsh but I wish we could just skip the holidays.....

First of all, my condolences on the loss of your sister.. I am so very sorry.. Only 35 yrs. old? Of course you're still grieving..

16 years and no warning? That's rotten - plain and simple.. However, there is NO reason for you to be embarrassed about what you're doing for additional income.. If anything, you should be admired - and I for one am extending a big pat on the back to you!! Your priorities are straight - something that is lacking in many people these days..

I can understand you just wanting to skip the holidays - too much has happened too fast - but since you have little ones, it makes it twice as hard.. Just do what you can - you don't have to go "all out" - happy, and dancing all over the place.. In your case, you need to consider your own feelings too.. I think you're still in shock over the loss of your dear sister and then the whammy with your job..

Do what you can - and please - take some time to grieve - both the loss of your sister and the loss of your career.. If you don't, I can tell you first hand from some of my own tragic losses that it will come back and run you over - just like an out-of-control train..

Take care - and good luck..

 

[threecrazykids]

First of all, my condolences on the loss of your sister.. I am so very sorry.. Only 35 yrs. old? Of course you're still grieving..

16 years and no warning? That's rotten - plain and simple.. However, there is NO reason for you to be embarrassed about what you're doing for additional income.. If anything, you should be admired - and I for one am extending a big pat on the back to you!! Your priorities are straight - something that is lacking in many people these days..

I can understand you just wanting to skip the holidays - too much has happened too fast - but since you have little ones, it makes it twice as hard.. Just do what you can - you don't have to go "all out" - happy, and dancing all over the place.. In your case, you need to consider your own feelings too.. I think you're still in shock over the loss of your dear sister and then the whammy with your job..

Do what you can - and please - take some time to grieve - both the loss of your sister and the loss of your career.. If you don't, I can tell you first hand from some of my own tragic losses that it will come back and run you over - just like an out-of-control train..

Take care - and good luck..

What excellent advice! Too add to this, my prayers are with you and your family this holiday season. My husband who just lost his job on Monday buried his uncle yesterday. It was a "half uncle" that he JUST made a connection with over the summer...spent a lot of time fishing and spending time with our family, when boom 3 months ago was diagnosed with cancer and is now gone. It has made getting in the holiday mood somewhat difficult. I know this is NOTHING close to losing a sister but a death around the holidays it makes it very difficult to find happiness. Cry when you need to cry, and celebrate when the mood hits you, take one day at a time.