Author Topic: Christmas spirit  (Read 2544 times)

niz

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Christmas spirit
« on: December 04, 2013, 07:39:18 AM »
Hello, not been on here for a while as have been doing ok, keeping myself busy , etc. Trouble is last few weeks a s Christmas draws nearer I have started feeling down, even the medication I am on does not seem to work. Starting to worry about finances one of my daughters is already telling me Christmas is going to be rubbish because I cant afford all the gifts she wants, My wife and myself cant buy each other anything and even doing the food shop is going to be tight, we are having to be strict on what and who we buy for relation wise. I feel the next few weeks might break me and on the 25th it will be a breaking point for me feeling a failure for letting my family down. I am the only working person at home, my wife has been trying for work for ages and just keeps getting knocked back for every job she goes for. Tried talking to a couple of people in work about it but they don't understand and just call me scrooge, Its the works Christmas party soon and even though the event is paid for you still need to pay for taxi there and back, some drinks and I would need new clothes, so I have had to opt out making an excuse that I cant make it, now I'm starting to feel alienated in work as discussions are all abut the works do and Christmas, not a good end to my year!

Grace

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2013, 10:40:25 AM »
Hello Niz!!
I understand it is not easy especially during festive seasons! However I don't think you should blame yourself as you are really providing for your family! Given that your wife cannot find work, maybe imposes a tight budget ..... but how about trying to look at the bright side .... how about cherishing your family ties which are the foundation of the true meaning of Christmas!!

My message is .... can we try not to feel down counting the material things, though I understand are also important! How about creating for ourselves another kind of Christimas and be proud of it!

Grace

Pip

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2013, 06:26:55 PM »
Christmas is tough for parents who can't afford much without the added bonus of depression.  Our church is giving 50 children in the local community toys whose parents are on the breadline.  The local police and Sainsbury have made donations which is great.  Our church has seen a rise in people needing food parcels this year as well with the local supermarkets donating food.  It's a terrible shame that families and people in general are reduced to asking churches for help.  Our church even has a thrift shop and if people are in desperate need of furniture then they will be given stuff for free.  Hubby and I support it by buying things there particularly as we have needed carpets and net curtains due to moving.  We even 'upgraded' our three piece suite from there as we couldn't afford a new one.  It was only £20 and just as good as new.

How old are your children?

It must break your heart that you can't buy what they want.  You're not a failure though, you have a job so setting a good example, your wife is trying to get a job so the two of you are dong the best that you can for your children.  I know that doesn't make you feel any better but please try not to be too hard on yourself.
« Last Edit: December 07, 2013, 08:35:01 PM by Pip »

niz

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2013, 07:12:53 PM »
Hi, I know I am in a better position than a lot of people and material things should not matter, myself I don't mind Christmas as long as other people are happy that makes me happy, but unfortunately my 15 year old step daughter only sees the things that her friends have like iphones, laptops, expensive clothes , money and make up. She probably doesn't notice the friends she has that don't have those things but we never hear of those friends. I guess its the age she is or maybe I am just thinking about it too much. I know things went pear shaped last year. It's just difficult at times when the people around you are so driven by materialistic things and you try your best just to make people happy.

Grace

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #4 on: December 05, 2013, 08:59:11 AM »
I totally sympathise with you Niz!!! And I know it's hard to tackle a 15 year-old daughter!! But try not to get yourself down because you're already doing your best! I will keep you in my thoughts these days and pray that somebody good can lift your spirit!!

Cinderella

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2013, 02:43:47 PM »
Dear Niz, I agree with Grace and Pip, you are doing your best and I really sympathise with you.
I feel very similar and it feels so difficult to just get something that makes them really happy. Its either something really expensive or nothing.
I have two teenage children, similar age and when I went into town (Oxford street) last week I could not believe the amount of people!!!  It hurts seeing people with their shopping bags.
I feel really so low today, since I got a parking ticket yesterday and it seems that my money is wasted on making mistakes like that. I beat myself up for mistakes like that instead of being patient with myself.
I guess the most important thing is to NOT GIVE UP AND TO BE REALLY KIND TO YOURSELF to beat this nagging voice inside of you that you are not doing well.
I always remind myself of what Christmas is really about and that it is definitly NOT ABOUT SHOPPING, but about a man, who lived a long long time ago (Jesus) and whose example we should (or at least I want to) draw upon.

lots of love:)


Grace

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2013, 06:44:42 PM »
Hello!
I've found this on facebook and it's worth seeing!

http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/the_high_price_of_materialism/

niz

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2013, 06:45:56 AM »
Hi Everyone and thank you for all the kind words of support and advice, I know the root of what I am feeling is to just enjoy what I have and not focus on what I don't have and yes it's very difficult at times but I need to do it. The last 2 years of my life have been from devastation from depression/stress to happiness and love of life, neither one of these lasting for too long and mostly finding myself bumbling through the middle of these emotions everyday. I am going to just do my best and if that is not good enough then so be it as I cannot change it. I have looked at the link and have seen that there are some things on there that I can apply to my own life that will help. Whenever I get down people on here always pick me up, so once again thank you everyone!  :hug:

Pip

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Re: Christmas spirit
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2013, 08:40:48 PM »
Grace, thanks for posting the link, I'll watch it later.

Niz, yes 15 is a difficult age and I remember what I was like at that age but the difference was that my parents could afford to buy me what I wanted.  I also had a part time job so was ale to save up for what I wanted so I wasn't demanding.  I was at the other end of the scale that I had friends who had parents on low incomes so it made me appreciate it more what I did have.