What to tell your kids when you buy Christmas?

Whoever said craigslist, that's a great idea. Just get on, go to the free section and browse. You still have a few days to coordinate something. Even if it's used, it will be new to your kids. You may be able to find your kids some clothes, balls, toys, dolls, and maybe even a bike. I'm very sorry for your situation.

I grew up very poor, and had many christmas' that my brother's and I only received one gift each. We always made presents for our parents and I don't remember one Christmas that I was bummed out. I remember my cousin complaining in front of my brothers and I that she couldn't believe her parents only got her 19 presents. As a child, that is hard to hear. But we weren't raised to base everything on money, and I just couldn't believe she was so selfish. Another year, my brother's and I were so excited because my mom told us that some people from a group were going to bring us presents and leave them on our porch but we had to be quite and keep the lights out so they would leave us a lot. She was making it exciting as if Santa was coming a couple of nights early. I was told when I was 4-5 that Santa wasn't real. So being an 8 year old and having two older brother's who were just as excited made that christmas really memorable. I don't even remember what I received, but I remember what my mom did for us. She made the experience more exciting than the actual gifts.

Just to add: I just looked up on craigslist in the Dallas area, and someone is offering a free box of toys. Just have to go and pick them up.

I've used hand done "coupons" for hard to buy for young people. The gift of your time will mean a lot. You'd be surprised what you can come up with/promise that costs little or nothing but gives them each special time with you.
Best wishes and I firmly believe this can actually make the holiday better and more meaningful.

I am so glad you got some money together.

Please do yourself a favore and shop the sales.

Also, I wish I could send you some money. It may be only 20 dollars but hey, every bit of it helps right?

However, go the the dollar general stores and the like. They have great gifts for low prices.

Edit: Heck if I was even close to you I would give you a few things for free. o_o

I'm so glad you were able to work something out for your two boys still at home. Before I read your solution, I was going to suggest you find something to sell last minute on Craig's list to raise a little money. I noticed you also have grandchildren. If they are old enough to expect something from Grandma, I suggest a cookie baking time together. This could also work for the 8-yr old. You could wrap up some sprinkles and a date card - something like that.

Good luck in the new year in your job hunting.

Dollar store gifts, cook their favorite meal, bake their favorite cookies. We had broke christmases and i remember only happy times.

make something! even better make something together!
i made my friends salt dough decorations this christmas, and truffles, and a little tub of tic tacs saying "heard youve been naughty so heres the scoop, this year for christmas all you get is snowman poop!" lol
x

As kids our parents struggled financially, too. We didn't expect expensive stuff and we were just happy to have something simple, but thoughtful. My mom always made sure to get a lot of little fun (but totally cheap dollar store style) stuff for stockings - even when we were older. It's not necessary to get your kids the latest and greatest for Christmas. But how depressing is it to get absolutely nothing? There's a crap ton of stuff for under $10 in stores everywhere! (Clothing, cosmetics, toys, etc.) It's hard to believe you couldn't plan ahead to make at least a modest holiday for your family - after all, we've known this was coming for months... Next year try saving up $2 each month so you don't have to have a nothing Christmas again. :brokenheart:

ETA: Glad for the update on getting some money from the ex. Maybe you could save some aside for next year, too, just to make sure you don't have to go through all this stress again! :flowerforyou:

Have you ever sold your plasma? My ex used to do it when we needed a little extra. I personally can't due to a heart surgery I had, but I would if I could. They pay by weight. Local one is currently offering $50 a visit for the first 5 visits and you can go twice a week. If both of you go maybe you could get something for your kds and help save a life at the same time! Also contact your closest Catholic church and ask about their St. Vincent De paul Society. Explain the situation. :flowerforyou: I am a single mom of 4. I feel you pain.