The broke mother

I've seen a lot of posts lately about struggling parents, married and single.. And it truly makes me sad.. I know the holidays can get very stressful, but also.. Why are we teaching kids that Christmas is all about big expensive gifts? .. I mean if you have the money and well behaved kids by all means spoil them.. But even if your kids are good but you are struggling financially why do you feel like you are ruining Christmas for your children? Kids are smarter and more understanding that you think.. I feel like they don't care if they get a dollar toy or a super expensive toy as long as you are there.. I've tried teaching my kids to be grateful with what they have.. And they really amaze me sometimes.. We are also struggling so I try to not buy expensive or buy second hand.. I asked my kid if he likes his "new" shoes and he said "yeah mom where you get them?" I replied with "at the goodwill buddy sorry I couldn't get new ones, do you mind?" He replied "no! I love them they look brand new thank you!" My heart exploded with gratitude for the humble children God gave me.. Yesterday we told them we are only able to get one gift each this year and they all said "that's ok, can we watch movies and drink hot chocolate all day on Christmas?" My heart exploded again 😭.. We live in a decent apartment and have a car to get around in, I don't work because child care would cost us more than my paycheck and we aren't on any government assistance either because we dont qualify for anything.. my husband works full time +overtime.. but we have struggled so much this year we went months without cellphones and wifi, we still dont have wifi actually because it's not a priority, and I have had to stand in long lines to get free food from churches even when I felt so embarrased that somebody I knew would see me.. But I would do anything to make sure my kids have full bellies and a roof over their heads.. So I can't really understand why so many people come on here saying they don't know what to do.. Sometimes you gotta suck up your pride and go stand in long lines for free food, and sometimes you have to teach your children to be content with 1 gift .. Or you just have to trust that your kid loves you more than any gift they might have gotten.. Also this is not to bash on anyone at all so I apologize if I hurt anyones feelings.. I more than anyone understand how stressful not having money for food or christmas gifts can get.. But I also don't believe in setting up a gofundme so you can get your kids Christmas gifts.. Set your pride aside and go ask for government assistance or go to a food bank if you can't afford food.. And try to find out where they give out free christmas gifts if you can't afford a gift.. Just remember this won't always be your situation and one day you will look back and remember how strong you were during this difficult time 💗

Anyway just a quick suggestions for other struggling patents this year:

- dollar store has cool toys and stocking stuffers

- do 1 gift only if you have to

- make something special for your child

- instead of a gift.. Give! You can make it fun.. Have your child collect a couple toys they don't play with anymore and go give it to some kids at a shelter.. It'll make your child feel so proud of themselves (yes we have done this)