How Am I Broke?!
 

How is it I am OUT OF MONEY and it isn't CHRISTMAS YET and I've got STUFF to BUY? HOW?!

I had people play a game last year and I am again this year because it was so much fun and much less stress than everyone feeling like they must buy lots and lots of presents.

It was a gift swapping game. You can make it white elephants if you want but if it is make sure you add the other element of people being able to steal from another if so.

One person starts. They open a gift. Then the next person opens a gift then the gift stealing begins until everyone has opened and stolen a gift until everyone has the THING they most want.

I am not describing it very well but it is so much fun and no body feels left out and those people who cannot afford a bunch of gifts feels good too.

It does sound like fun and I'm all for stuff like that BUT (huge caveat here) I've also two teenaged sons.

They like new stuff. sigh.

And, they like to eat.


a lot.

I too have a teenage son. He is getting a mere $50. I feel like wrapping it in a huge box but he isn't a child anymore. I don't think he minds but us as parents do mind I know.

Maybe you can write them an IOU for Christmas until next month? Put it in a card? [edit- I probably wouldn't do that either- Just brainstorming.]

Maybe you can borrow a few bucks from a family member? Just for the food anyway. Sell something on Craigs list but beware of the scary people.

Looks like someone needs a government bailout.

Here I just keep pointing to the new car we have and he will soon be driving.

I know it hurts a moms heart but they probably would understand the situation esp if they are grown. They might not mind waiting? ......yeah right...huh.


bummer:(

sorry no more ideas. I tried to keep positive for you. Now I am just bummed out for you.

Skysidhe - That's also called a 'yanky swap', we did one at our holiday party last year.

yeah we had a great time with it

Ask your new Ouija Board. :)


Sorry, couldn't resist.;)

Scary people on the internet!? Why has no one told me this before! I'm suspicious of you all now... prove you're really from Ohio Bri! I want pictures of Sandusky!

For our Christmas Stockings and Easter Baskets, my mom used to sneak into our rooms and find silly little toys we had probably forgotten about, or didn't play with anymore. Just small items around the house. She'd fill 'em up. Then she'd throw in some candy or whatever. Sometimes it'd take a day or two for us to recognize our own things.

On to a real suggestion: Borrowing money is a good idea, not getting loans or maxing credit cards though. Just remember its not about the stuff, its about showing your love for them. Yes I understand they're teens, but that's all the more reason why they should have the mature ability to understand and forgive financial difficulties. If they don't, tell 'em to get a job and pay their own damn way. Having their mom all stressed out about it, which would probably make you cranky towards them, is not gonna make their Christmas a happy one.

Too many hookers. ;)

Ah, Sky---don't take it so hard! You are completey right---they have MORE than enough. It's just my OCD. I used to have a really, really hard time with Christmas (from '95 till about 2002!) but I enjoy it more now. Those are all really good ideas. I just need to learn to manage my money. (or, lack of money!) It'll be fine. It's just astonishing how much I've spent and how little I have to show for it! No worries! :)

Oh so it wasn't the hookers then?...

Um. Guy-hookers?

Yeah...you can get them.

Well...someone told me you could...but I don't know for sure...

...honest. ;)

The youngest of my kids at this point is 18. They've all been told that there's not gonna be much coming, and that I would prefer they save their money and not buy for me. I've got plenty of stuff, thanks. But it does grieve me that I can't do as well for them as I wish I could. Not even close, in fact.

Poor Bri, those awesome bj skills totally useless here. :eek:

Your money probably went for clothes for teens, food for teens, school expenses for teens, and did I say food for teens? :rolleyes: :p
For the last six or more years my wife and I haven't bought anything for each other so we could buy a few things for our boys.
And the amount we spend on each of them has also diminished yearly. :rolleyes:

I feel for you Bri, I think most of us can relate. ;)

- Rumi

Sorry to hear it Bri babba.
But I bet on the actual day you have a wonderful time anyway.
Just fast-forward until then, you'll feel a lot better.

Not so, they can be profitable. :haha: