This is ****ing depressing

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

...Still, Mum shouldn't be taking the kids to see Santa in November if things are that bad.

What? Nooooo, take 'em to see Santa, take 'em to see the lights and nativity scenes, and free public ceremonies. Have 'em write notes on cards to friends and relatives, decorate the house with strung popcorn, make construction paper chains, and a wreath from a coat hanger and greens. A couple of inexpensive gifts will suffice.
Years down the road, they'll remember all the things they did, and you did together, when they can't remember any gifts from any year. Christmas should be about family, not loot.