[singinjeannie]

My biggest problem is my DH and the fact that I really, really enjoy the fantasy of Santa Claus. I have cut many expenses over the past few years, such as: I don't bake anymore because #1, it costs a lot to buy all the ingredients (around $150.00) and #2, you just get fat on the cookies!
I have always shopped for bargains for the kiddies. I did my 2 year old daughter last year for $25.00!!! The older boys, (12 and 9) are a little more expensive and I usually purchased some wanted items for them and then rounded out the gifts with stuff they'll need anyway. (White socks, boxer shorts, etc.) Usually it cost me about $175 to do both boys, give or take a few $$.

In recent Christmas seasons, we also cut out all card sending ($100) and all gifts to friends and my husband's co-workers ($300+).

DH doesn't want me to buy ANYTHING for the kids this christmas and the idea of having to tell my 3 year old that there is no Santa is driving me to tears. It's just rediculous. Motherhood is such a tiring, thankless job and after telling your kids "NO" all year long (because we just don't have the money...) one of the few joys of motherhood is Christmas Morning when you can finally let your kids have some of what they want. If my kids were older (high school or above) it wouldn't be nearly this heartbreaking. They'd understand. I just know my 9 year old and my 3 year old are going to be crushed about this (and frankly, so will I).

I gotta find a way to get DH to change his mind. I need to have some kind of Christmas morning for my kids.

Sorry to be so negative. I just seem to give up more and more and more and this is just one thing I really don't want to give up!!!