CHRISTMAS already!

are you telling yourself that you're racist??

Well, here's what I do as a divorced mother of three.

Our tree is the miniature fiber optic type. Maybe $30 on sale, and it lasts practically forever. It also saves the hassle of cleaning up after and disposing of a real tree (though I'd gladly have a real one if I could afford it).

I save for Christmas year 'round by putting change aside. I have about $70 at this point -- not a lot, but it's a start. As for gifts, I feel that Christmas is mostly for kids. But at age 2, your son certainly doesn't need any elaborate, expensive gifts, and any other adult relatives who are aware of your situation should certainly understand that you aren't in much of a position to give them gifts.

Gift wrap and other accessories can be bought at places like Big Lots and the 98 Cent Clearance Center; no need to stretch your budget there. And forget the damned cards -- send e-cards or none at all; save the money on the cards themselves and the postage.

Hang in there. The holidays are a difficult time for people in need everywhere. Don't fall into the same trap as everyone else in believing it's just about spending a lot of money.

looks like Spam fucked up and posted to himself thinking he was logged in under one of his other many identities.BUSTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Naa, mefinks he was putting an addendum onto his post. lol

Do what I do. I say BAH HUMBUG at Christmas. Take a trip to church Christmas eve to ther midnight service. THAT is what Christmas is about. Celebrating the birth of Jesus. The fact that the 3 wise men bought gifts to him has been far over commercialised over the centuries and is now nothing but a play on peoples finances so the BIG BISSINESSES can make even more profits.
I NEVER buy cards and seldom buy presents. I would sugest you buy your 2 year old things he needs like clothes, etc and just 1 toy that is both a plaything and educational. Everyone else, tell them to go fish!

"100 dollars just for 20 gifts as far as just for bags,wrapping paper,and tape."

20 gifts?
what are you santaclaus?

and thats one expensive wrapping you're buying.
I recommend buying fewer gifts and cheaper wrapping paper.

Ok I got so caught up in busting Spam I forgot my simple solution to your problem.......tell everyone ,including your kid, that you dont celebrate Xmas.....its a holiday devoted to a fictional story of a fictional god and you simply say you and your family do not believe in such tripe. or join a religion that doesnt allow the celebration of Xmas.

well those stupid bags at walmart are like 4 something,and theres tissue paper involved,and bows.i mean 5 gifts will probably be for my kid,and the rest are for my family and friends.I just want a christmas tree with presents under it like everyone else has.I know christmas isn't about buying people stuff.i love christmas,i'll just have to figure out how to make things work just like everybody else.

-dirt dobbler

though i may not have to go though this yet myself but this is what my mother did as a single parent with 2.

buy a small plastic tree (size wont matter), buy cloths for the child or make something for them (if you know how to sew or knit) and for you friends try just having them round for a get-together lunch on boxing day

and i agree with JanIAm about the E-cards, for those you know who use the internet it is eassier and cheaper

is that all you got was clothes for christmas? I'm really sorry man,I'm sure you wanted other stuff. i dunno i just dont see getting clothes, socks or underwear for a present,why do people do that? i mean yea they are neccessities,but not a present,thanks for the help though.

-dirt dobbler

tree at walmart ($20) Wrapping paper, 8 gifts, tape, bags, tissue paper at the dollar store ($15) shop around the clearance sections of stores, that most people dont normally go to. (the cool artsy store downtown)

I spent less than $150 for my ENTIRE christmas and i have five sisters, and three parents, a boyfriend, and three best friends. I made a lot of gifts myself (crocheting, beading, hemp work)

Im somewhat of a christmas scrooge... if only i didnt know anybody, december would be a happy month.

Thanks for the advice. I have figured out how to go to the dollar store,and find really cute gifts, and mostly all of my gifts were 5 bucks. This is the best christmas I have ever had. I'm all set, so no more worrying for me.