For me Christmas is less about gifts and more about catching up with family and friends and appreciating each other.

I agree that’s not amount the gift you give and how expensive this was, but about the heart. Making gifts is a great idea, but make sure you don’t over-ask yourself physically. I agree that a browse at the charity shop is a good idea too. I hope you have a network of family and friends around you who can see & appreciate you as you are. Last Xmas I got spoiled with 2 food hampers and gifts for my children by our church (Hillsong), just to encourage me which it sure did. You can approach them and also other organisations who give out hampers and gifts.

How awful for you! You do know it’s the thought that counts. I would love a hand made gift as a Christmas present, they’re so much more meaningful. It’s not all about spending stupendous amounts of money on gifts, it’s about being together with those you love. Be that a big crowd or just you and a friend. Stop putting do much pressure on yourself and you might enjoy life more

I feel sad at Xmas for a different reason. We used to gave huge family gatherings at Xmas. My mother in law died and my sister stopped talking to us, and it all same to an end

When you don’t have the funds at Christmas it can be a nightmare! Shopping during the year helps if you can get a few things or lay-by is also a great idea.

Yes. Every single year.

If it helps, you’re not the only one to be upset at Christmas time. There are many reasons for sadness at Christmas. Lack of money is one, lack of family is another. I’m sure your loved ones don’t think any less of you. Christmas is all about seeing friends and family anyway, not how much you spend or how many pressies you get. Chin up chook

Had to respond to you,you are not alone it is true. Christmas can be overwhelming and low finance and health issues too. I shop at Op Shops still and sometimes things are brand new.. toys and clothes and other things too. I have store cupboard so buy things throughout the year, for birthdays and Christmas, family and friends, when sales on.. Used to lay-by a bit too,so all the best to you, there is also other Services out there that can help it is true….All the best felt an affinity with you,as I had friends who had more money too, and incorrectly felt I wished I could do more like they could do. But my son’s are grown now, got grand-kids too on low budget and so I do best now too.. Hope this is of help to you best wishes…You are doing the best you can do…Also some of the family events were stressful too…When I realise now were not as bad if I had then been able to cope better it is true. Picture of my son’s with there dad,they are doing well and now say I did well too xxoo

So many great ideas ,1 thing is I’m going to try is get things thru the year & as someone sure stead look for new items in pop shops .

CHRISTMAS IS STRESSFUL FOR ME SO KNOW HOW IT FEELS. TRY NOT TO BE PERFECT! ON LOW INCOME LOTS OF TOYS AND THINGS AT OP SHOPS ARE BRAND NEW OR WASHABLE AND NOT COSTLY. MAKING GIFTS IS GOOD IDEA SO GOOD ON YOU. YOU CAN ALSO ASK FOR CHRISTMAS PARCEL FROM SOME OF THE CHARITIES, MANY PEOPLE ARE LIKE YOU AND ME UNDER FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. SO IT IS OK TO SEEK HELP.BE KIND TO YOURSELF YOU ARE TRYING SOME PEOPLE DO NOT. ALL BEST FOR NEXT YEAR. ANOTHER THING I DO IS SHOP THROUGH YEAR FOR SPECIALS. LOT OF CHRISTMAS STUFF REDUCED NOW, SO I HAVE HIDDEN STORE CUPBOARD THROUGHOUT YEAR. HOPE THIS HELPS. ALSO BETTER TO SHOP BEFORE THE CHRISTMAS MADNESS STARTS, EVEN FOOD ITEMS REDUCED i BUY AND FREEZE OR PUT IN PANTRY, CHECK USED BY DATE, YOU MAY BE SURPRISED . COLOURING IN BOOKS AND PENCILS ETC INEXPENSIVE AND FUN TO DO AND SHARE TOGETHER

I honestly believe a sincere phone call or visit from you will be better than a gift for those that really matter =)

oh sweetie! you sound like you have an amazing heart and just knowing you would be an amazing thing! that’s the thing about green grass- it might not be greener. maybe these people buying up big, are putting themselves into debt! my sister went crazy one year buying a rediculous amount of gifts for everyone and then spent 6 months of the next year paying for it! and credit cards and loans are used to make you spend money that you don’t have. you know what? last year my christmas was so rough because we had a car break down so i really valued just being with my kids and enjoying what we did have. this year i hope it goes great. good luck and keep your head up! i know you feel upset but the best thing that you can give is your smile and love! your family and real friends will love you no matter what!

I have the same problem so I just let everyone know that things are light on for Christmas so we all pitch in and give and do what is possible. No problems so far.

Thanks for great replies ,We have 2 grandkids 13c&4 .Just feel for them no parent support or love .I will be ok just see so much & 13 girl needs &wants items ,but does understand I’m poor .

You shouldn’t feel this way, your family love you for the kind person you are, not the gifts you buy. The spirit of Christmas is about the magic of christmas, the way we make others feel, not then money we spend. If you are intent on giving , could you try to give something of yourself? Eg, offer to babysit for family so they can go out for a while, offer to cook a meal for someone, water the garden for someone who is going away? You could make these offers into homemade ‘gift vouchers’. If you have kids to buy for, why not make a craft station…it will be a fun experience for them, kids love to make their own things and take them home! If your disability prevents you from doing these things, then take the time to write a heart felt card, I am sure your family and friends will appreciate this and will not be expecting a gift of any sort! Merry Christmas to you, may you find peace and joy in the people who surround you.