christmas

My first memory is a fight between my parents at Christmas, which became extremely violent. All through childhood, any holiday meant the two of them were in the same place at the same time long enough for a bitter argument at least. Bless their hearts, they thought they were staying together for my benefit. Anyhow, I've always hated this holiday. At work they call me Scrooge. Whatever. It seems like There is always someone trying to shove Christmas down my throat! Usually for the sake of whatever kids are around I force myself to put up the tree, cook and bake for days, and spend too much money. This year there is no money, and the added stress of finances has me unable to put up my normal front, which has the entire family annoyed with me. We put last years tree out back in the woods for birds to nest in, or whatever, I'm thinking of dragging it out and putting the dead tree up as a statement next time someone starts to nag!

My christmas, meant that I got to work for my gifts. Meaning I took, a lot of abuse, mentally and physically. In exchange for my presents.,

Im sorry you have such bad memories of christmas. I hope That one day you can smile on the holidaze......

I hope we all can. Take care,
Im here if you need help. pm me anytime.

Colleen

<center>(((((((((WHOEVER))))))))))</center>

I'm so sorry you have such awful memories of Christmas and my heart hurts for you. It must be even more difficult to fight the depression when there's no money and kids in the house. I'm sure you want them to have good memories of their holidays.

SO ... what to do? What to do!

You don't say how old your kids are, but are they too old for things from the dollar store? A few bucks goes a long way there and you'll be surprised what you can find. Good stuff, too! Sadly, it seems kids nowadays are into how many things they have under the tree, not what they are, and this would be a quick fix for not too much money.

I'd like to share a story with you, too.

One of my best Christmas memories was the year I gave away some of my toys. I was about 10, it was the late 1950s, and my folks had heard of a lady with 8 kids whose husband had left them with no money and there wasn't going to be much more than food in the house for Christmas morning. I found a toy from my closet for each of them, then we bought a gift for each child, too. Daddy took me to deliver the gifts and the eyes on those children ... huge, dark, unbelieving eyes as a white man and his daughter came to their house with all those packages. I never cared about "how much" or "how many" again ... not once in all my life have I forgotten that it's better to give than receive, and it's the Little Things that are most important in Life. There's always someone in worse shape than we are ... maybe your kids are old enough to learn that lesson, too?

Sometimes, Whoever, sometimes it really helps to share. When we share our burdens, they become less because other people help us to carry them ... like you coming here today. When we share ourselves by helping others who might also be having a hard time with Christmas, our hearts sing because we did ... like if you can help other people here on the forums.

I hope you can find the Spirit of Christmas in your heart. You've helped me remember it in mine and for that, I thank you.

<center>(((((((((((((WHOEVER))))))))))))))</center>

Take care and God bless you. May your 2008 be better!

Trying to be a GoodMama

((((whoever)))) i wish i could help... sometimes i gotta MAKE myself smile... cause, it reminds me life is supposed to be enjoyable...

hang in there... i know it will get better... but its so hard sometimes...

I get the feeling that you're supposed to enjoy Christmas whether you like it or not.