The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Some of you know I walked off my job in August because my manager couldn't keep his hands to himself. He wound up punching me and I reported him to HR. They told me I would have no choice but to report to him. I refused to go back to work under him. I filed for unemployment and was denied. They said the laws were changed years ago and that there would have to be a witness or a video. I kept thinking I caused this to happen and fell into a deep depression. Last month, someone from the office called me and told me my manager and the HR manager were fired for unethical business conduct. I don't know why I kept thinking I was somehow at fault. Weird. I have found a cleaning job to provide enough money just for food and gas. I cashed in my 401k, savings, and used my credit cards to get by since August. Christmas is coming and I have nothing to put under the tree for my children. Would you all please say a prayer? I need a Christmas miracle so my children don't wake up Christmas morning with nothing under the tree. Thank you.
I know it is hard when you have nothing to give your children especially when there is so much glitz around. You have already given them a moral parent by taking a stand at work. You are giving them honesty by telling them you don't have the money for presents. So in a sense you are giving them alot with your character. And you can give of yourself. Are there any free concerts or holiday events that you can go to as a family? Sing Christmas carols together at a nursing home? Make cookies together? One of the best Christmas' we had when our children were young was when there were only socks for them under the tree.
Thank you Nancy for your support. God is working for me. My daughter has wanted a cat for the past two years, but I wanted to wait until I could afford a house one day, which I have realized could never come. I received an e-mail from a friend of mine who told me about a woman we used to play softball with. She found a cat. I went over and picked up the cat for her this morning. My daughter will be so happy to receive this Christmas gift. Now I am praying for my son. I know it's so commercialized, but I couldn't bear to see their hearts broken Christmas morning. I know God will come through with something. Thank you all for your prayers! They're working!!!!!!!!!
You and your family are in my prayers. Are there any resources in your area that you would be able to put your children on a Christmas wish list. Some agencies refurbish used toys from the previous Christmas. Check with Department of Children and Families as they may have a contact for people in the area that can lend you a hand this year. Other agencies to try would be Children's Home Society, and the Health Department. It's worth a shot and maybe you'll get the miracle you've been praying for. Some churches have prepared for this such occassion for families in their communities, that may be helpful too. HP will lead you to the right people. If nothing else you guys have each other and that is the best gift of all. Stay strong and positive,
Hugs,
Twinmom~
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"The people who don't mind matter and the people who mind, don't matter". (Dr. Seuss)
Have read above posts, twinmom knows your local area much better than me, try her suggestions, also, go online, see if there if anything nearby to help?
33 years ago, my late hubby and I bought our first house, took every penny we had. On his way home from work, he found an old doll's pushchair, he was an engineer, he fixed it and sprayed it with paint, I made a new seat. Also, I had an old fake fur jacket, the latest thing was the Wombles of Wimbledon toys, I made one, (it had a wonky nose)... our daughter was only 3 - she loved the presents, of course, she not sophisticated, so, maybe would not work if she had been older.
Dont stress it, Kissers, children have so much more insight that we acknowledge, if you have a happy home, you can make a good Christmas with very little. Look around you, maybe you already have something your kids would like..... some token, maybe belonged to granny etc..... Here, in UK, every year, with depressing regularity, pets are abandoned at Christmas.....
Also, these days, I am not a believer, when my children were young, used to take them to Christmas service at local church, tiny pressies for each child...... it was an extra, realise now, some families actually really, really needed them.
Think it will hurt you, more than them, not to have so much this year.
I wish you and your children a wonderful Christmas.
Maybe a local church could help, or if you could manage a few dollars at a dollar store or consignment shop. I think we build it up more than they do. I think your daughter will love the cat. A special friend as a Christmas present, who could ask for more?
If you keep it simple and focus on the good parts, maybe start some new traditions, caroling or something similar. You can pull out a joyouse Christmas on a very tight budget.
