I'm in the same boat. I'm so tight on money due to all my bills and I put my child's father out I was behind on rent and I just got caught back up. I got fired from my job today because I got a new job and my job was so pissed they took me off the schedule. So I have 1 more check coming and that has to go on bills and my daughter daycare, I'm a gonna make a sacrifice and not pay 1 bill so I can at least get my daughter a few gifts. I feel like a horrible mother. But I know my daughter will be appreciative with anything I buy her. Next year will definitely be better for my baby. I just keep my head up and keep it pushing, your doing the best you can momma. Your a good mother regardless.

There was one year I put up a tree on Christmas Eve. ?

Each year I like to do an early dinner.. Have hot choc.. Put on pjs and drive around to look at some Christmas lights. Check the library They might have a Christmas theme book reading.. Or can pajama it up and do one at home.

String Cheerios (box from $1.00 store)

Paint with pudding mix. Soooo fun and cheap.

Make a snow globe.. Food coloring, glitter in a water bottle..

Spirit is inside not under a tree. ? you will find your spirit. Sorry for your loss. This can be very difficult time of year. Xoxox

My friend can't afford Christmas this year and since the kids are out of school they are doing Xmas the week after so they can shop the day after Xmas close out sales. This is something you can do as well since lo is only 7 and 1

Can u sign up for sub for Santa?

Thank you ashlea

Don't be so hard on yourself. You are doing great! All that you are doing will bring joy to all of you! ?

Love the paper snowflake idea! You all have great ideas for us!

We will go see Christmas lights this weekend and make some snow men out of our tube socks and some rice we have too! Lol

We usually have more than enough money for Christmas but the economy isn't doing to well for our business and with my hospital bills.. It's just irritating lol

I love all your ideas!

Thank you!

We were on a budget this year. I saved the weekend newspapers and looked for sales and then looked online for coupons that went along with those sales. It helped save so much money.

I know how you feel momma! We are living off one income and are having a hard time. We bought a $9 little fake christmas tree and cheap ornaments & lights. You can get a few stocking stuffers from the dollar tree. And just do 2 or 3 presents per child. Maybe a book, clothes and one toy. You can do everything for $100 or less.

We're not getting ours til this weekend. I hope things get better for your family soon.

We have the money to buy gifts. But we told our son that this year he'll only be getting 4 presents. Something that he wants, something that he needs, something to wear, and something to read. And it's great cause we're not spending a lot. And this way he can be more grateful for what he does get. Also there are kids out there that get a lot. And living in the neighbourhood we live in, the kids are all well off, and seem to get whatever they want. I don't want to raise my kids like that. I want them to appreciate what they do have. And realize that Christmas is about spending it with the ones you love. And I've also let my oldest pick out a present for my SO (his step dad) and he's going shopping with my SO and picking out a present for me.

There's so many fun things you can do for the holidays that don't cost anything. Make paper snowflakes for the windows, bake cookies, drink hot chocolate, watch holiday movies while you have a living room camp out, go check out the lights on houses in your city.

He's excited to help decorate! lol

Thanks @prettygirl I already feel better lol

It's the first Christmas without my mom so I guess that makes me feel like "blah"

But after all it's about making memories and not about the money anyways! ?

Lol I know it doesn't make me a bad mom I just feel like I'm not making enough effort.. If that makes sense?

I'm now rearranging the furniture so we can put it up :-)

I also found our train too so ds1 will be excited either way.

Thank you ladies!

You shouldn't feel bad at all. It doesn't hurt to put the tree up even if you don't have presents to put underneath. It's just a pretty decoration that your older son would probably like! And don't feel bad about being tight on money. It happens mama. The holidays are for spending time with your family and making memories. Bake some cookies, watch a movie together, play games! Make it better than just a gift. Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up over it ?

Not putting up a tree doesn't make you a bad mom lol