How am i gonna give my kids a Christmas? Advice please.?
921803
make simple colorful paper decorations out of paper to decorate your home, make sure you make that an activity. it can be so much fun for the kids.\nhere are some sites:\nhttp://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/index.shtml\nhttp://www.childfun.com/modules.phpname=News&file=article&sid=212\nI think that your family is together and safe is the best present you can ever have. try explaining that to your kids. i really think they'd understand. besides, christams isn't about presents, it's about being with the ones you love, celebrating the season. and if you're religious, Christ. my heart goes out to you and your children. I went through domestic violence and i know how painful it can all be. the best of luck to you and your children! also, try making homemade presents for each other. [=\nhope this helps.
707693
Have you talked to your local Mothers of Multiples/Mothers of Twiins Club?  I know that our club has a charity fund.  I'm not from the Boston area so I don't have any specifics.  Also, remember that at 2 years old they won't fully appreciate Christmas gifts.  My cousins kids always end up just playing with the boxes and gift wrap!\n\nGood luck from a mom of 10 month old twins!
838036
Did you ever think, that something happened at Christmas, Like a mother died or someone else, that usually would do it. So it brings back those memories of a sad or bad time they don't want to remember. Why don't you talk to him about what you want to do. Tell him with his permission you would like to -------------------explain, but don't do too much. Then maybe get him something funny for his desk, Something like a melted snowman,or Santa getting stuck in the chimney. just to bring a smile to his face. If he says no. buy him that gift anyway.
942873
If you are giving them presents because you love them and want them to have happiness, then yes, you should.\n\nIf you are giving them presents to show your sister what a nice person you are, or to manipulate her with guilt, then no, don't bother.\n\nDepending on how mad she is, the kids might never get your presents, even if you mail them.  Keep that in mind.
14096
I feel you.  One of the things I do with my daughter is to put on a Christmas "show."  We dress up in silly costumes and take turns singing songs to each other.  Toys and other "things" will be forgotten, but the time you spend with each other will not.
21182
send the kids with your spouse.\n\nansw3r3r
898847
Draw one name out of the bunch and buy a really nice gift for that person.  Then have everyone else do the same.  You should really suggest doing this as most people with money, want to hang onto their money too, and they will welcome the idea of just buying for one person.  Of course, you should still buy for the children in the family - Christmas is for kids.
785495
Go to "Dollar Central" and pick up a nice (cheap) box of Christmas cards. Go to your local lottery retailer and buy scratch & win tickets for each of your friends and perhaps blow a whole $ 10.00 on the crummy in-laws.\n\nWrite some nice warm & fuzzy stuff in the cards and wish them luck with the tickets & the new year!\n\nMerry Christmas! And may 2007 be brighter!
877333
I am a mom to grown children....the best present I can ever receive from them is their presence on Christmas day.  We live far apart, and seldom have the time to spend with each other.  So if at all possible, spend the day with her....and tell her you love her.
902435
Good for you! One of the things I have found when buying gifts for young children is that it doesn't matter how much a present costs, but rather how big it is. Buy the biggest thing you can find cheaply, wrap it in nice paper, and watch the happiness.\nGood luck
710997
First, send her a really nice Christmas card.  You can give her a scarf and matching gloves or mittens.  You could give her a box of chocolates.  You can give her a music CD, a figurine, or a trinket box.  You can have someone take a picture of you both and you could have the picture framed or you can even give her a mug with the picture on it.  Most photo shops sell them.  You can even have them put a personal message on the mug.
767697
I agree with you \nthey should start early getting things together for Xmas\nyou sound like a very sensible woman!!\nIf they need money they can always take in ironing & do that when the kids are asleep or at school etc\npeople even drop  & pick up the clothes at your house\n& its about $15 to $20 hour or what  ever you arrange it to be & that would be heaps of $$$ for Xmas
843685
if you can get along and be pleasant until then, it would probably be more enjoyable for your children. after all who wants the wonderful present of divorce for christmas? if you can make it a month ish i would say go for it.
796745
I would say only give a gift to the teachers that work directly with your son. And if you dont want to give a gift you arent obligated to. I used to be a daycare teacher and some parents would give small gifts (from the child) and others didnt. I would never expect it. You could do something small like a scented candle that you wrap in tissue paper in put in one of those tiny gift bags. Or you could fill a x-mas coffee mug from the dollar store with m&m's or some other candy. You could do a $5 gift card for the nearest coffee shop (but if you do it for all 7 people that may be too much $$). You could do a gift of a new toy or book for the classroom which would go to everyone--you  may need to ask the director of the daycare their policy on donating to the classroom though. Even a homemade christmas card made by your son would be nice. DONT SPEND A LOT OF MONEY if you do choose to give gifts! It is not expected!
929616
Try to avoid leading questions...that make the family think you want them to answer a certain way. You want to make sure all families feel included in this activity. Maybe some fill in the blanks, that way it keeps it simple. \n\nIn December, our family celebrates ____________________. We like to eat _____________________ and play _________________ as part of the celebration. We share our celebration with these people: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________. We help others celebrate  when we _____________________________. \nWe celebrate by giving each other _______________________ to show our love and joy. \n\nThere's a start for you. Have fun!
898696
Seasons' Greetings:\n\nI don't know what area you are from but my family is living in BC Canada  and local recreation  centres, libraries and other family facilities have events to do for kids to enjoy and get the spirit from Christmas.(NO CHARGE)  I know it doesn't need to be a lot just enough to let the children  remember cherish  moments they can take to their adult hood.  Look into any Community Centre and see what they have going on.  We just had a free Children's singer come into a mall and sing "Charlotte Diamond" the kids love her and it was absolutely free.  Good Luck and Much Love for a wonderful Holiday Season.
794044
We are in the same position. I try to do this every year. You can walk around the tree and pick boy or girl, child or adult. We usually pick a child and an adult, because I try to picture myself in the adults position if I were suddenly without my mate. I look to see what they have on their wish list and pick those that we feel we can afford to get what they ask for. I don't think there is a min. or max., but it is important to get what is on the list or close to it. Again, just imagine yourself as the recipient. Do unto others as you would have others do to you. Then we wrap it and put the tag provided on it. We try to include a card from our family, wishing them comfort and joy and Gods' blessing on their family.\n\nI hope you find a way to do it this year, it really is a blessing for you and them.