Help

[kattero]

Christmas is coming and i have nothing to my 4 children.Is there somebody who can help me?

[scfr]

A couple suggestions:

- Get together with a group of friends or neighbors in similar circumstances and exchange items that your children no longer use. That way, each child can get something "new to them."

- This probably wouldn't fly with older kids, but very young children do not know the difference between store bought and free. Are there items around your house that could be made into toys? When I was in kindergarten, my favorite toy was an big empty box I could crawl inside of and pretend it was my "house."

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

How old are they? Would you want to give them books? clothes? toys? music? art supplies? trips to a special place like museum, zoo, science center? Does the rest of your family know your situation (assuming you have family)? If you are religious and have a worship community, will they know of your need? Have you attempted to register for Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army Christmas store, or any local group that helps with Christmas celebrations?

Do you have sufficient food to make a special meal for the day? One thing our family does is to make a gigantic yeast cake whose recipe comes through my husband's grandparents. Very special and saved only for December, yet inexpensive as long as we are not too indulgent with the poppyseed or walnut filling. Oh, it can become more expensive if we fill it really full, but that is not the way Bubba made it. One batch makes enough to share with all his huge family, too. Start a tradition like that (if you have not already) and then there is something wonderful and memorable for every Christmas whether you are religious or not and whether you have money to buy gifts or not.

Definitely there are a zillion inexpensive holiday traditions you could take up for your own; my yeast cake is just an example. Making paper ornaments, stringing popcorn, decorating pinecones, going to a free holiday concert, learning to play and sing carols, going out carolling door to door...

Maybe if you could explain what it is you are hoping for, someone will have some ideas for you.

[LuxLiving]

Kattero, are you employed? single? How are you supporting your children?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Just realized I was assuming you are in US, yet your name suggests to me that you might not be. Resources will, of course, depend on where you live.

[mainyy]

give them a gift what they like.

so you must know what they like firstly.

[buildmybudget]

There are several things you can do. First, check the "Freebies" section of this site as there are many small trinkets and things you could get them by simply signing up for a newsletter and such. Do they have a library card? That's usually a free gift.

Lastly, do you not have any income or is your budget just upside down?

[kattero]

and i go work but small salary. i live in finland. i have pay pal account i and hope people can help me and my children that way. i am very grateful any penny.

[kattero]

and i go work but small salary. i live in finland. i have pay pal account i and hope people can help me and my children that way. i am very grateful any penny. i devorced my husband becouse he was violent. and i stay with children. this is difficult to ask help but i have no choice.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Oh, I see. The site administrator probably has removed something like a money request from your original post.

[jasonnoguchi]

There is one thing you can give to your kids without needing money... lots of love and a big big hug each. Tell them how much you appreciate them and thank them for the great year they gave you. Nothing beats sincere appreciation that brings tears to ones eyes.

[Angio333]

Check with some local churches. Many of them have ministries that maybe helpful in this situation.