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Original poster

To think that Christmas is just a nightmare for a lot of people.

163 replies

MrsSlocombesCat · 21/12/2024 00:35

I have struggled this year to afford presents and as far as I am concerned Christmas is for children. I can’t be arsed with it all. I keep thinking about all of the people who can’t afford to buy presents for their kids and how it distressing it must be. I think parents on UC should get a decent bonus so they can buy presents for their kids. It really upsets me that there are children who might not get presents on the day. Everything is so expensive now that the cost of living crisis has caused. I thought life would be better under Labour but they’re doing nothing to help disabled people. I had never heard of a right wing government getting into people’s hearts and minds like they’re doing today. So many gullible people.

OP posts:
wigsonthegreenandhatsforthelifting · 21/12/2024 01:26

Orangeandgold · 21/12/2024 01:07

I agree. It’s the huge push towards consumerism that’s so annoying about Christmas. And when it’s over, all of the other times throughout the year we are told to spend. Of course it’s a choice, but Christmas does feel like a huge pressure for families to deliver a nice day that the children can talk about when they return to school in January.

Im a strong believer that religious holidays should just be that - whoever wants to celebrate can. I wish gift giving was more about the thought rather than having the latest things. It’s expensive.

You can cut gift giving right back. I have. I only buy for my adult children now. I will tip my hairdresser and the lady who does my nails.

It's a nonsense. Giving a gift of a roughly approximate value to the gift that they are going to give you. CBA.

wigsonthegreenandhatsforthelifting · 21/12/2024 01:22

Topseyt123 · 21/12/2024 00:41

I just don't like Christmas much and plenty of times have struggled to afford it in the past no matter what government is in power.

I think it should be no more frequent than every leap year, but I'm rather a bah humbug!

I'd be all on for that! Christmas every few years! As I approach my 62nd Christmas, all I can think is that I am so over it. My kids are all grown up, I don't have any DGC yet and it's not even on their radar, and I am fed up with the hassle and expense of it all. Personally I will be glad when the day is over. I just want to enjoy my time off work in peace.

MintyFreshest · 21/12/2024 01:21

Er big no to a benefit bonus at Xmas, that is NOT what benefits are for.

KeeKees · 21/12/2024 01:19

Not sure that would go down too well handing out UC bonuses for Christmas presents when people not on UC are struggling to feed their families and pay their bills.

Needanewname42 · 21/12/2024 01:13

Op totally agree it is a horrific pressure on parents especially if they are barely making end meet.
However i disagree that parents should get bonuses to buy gifts. Sorry. There needs to be incentives to get people out to work and completely off benefits. And if the incentive is providing a nice Christmas for your Kids then so bet it.

Topseyt123 · 21/12/2024 01:13

This reply has been deleted

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OP didn't say she hadn't got a job. Where did you get that from?

Other than that, I agree with you on the rest.

Orangeandgold · 21/12/2024 01:07

I agree. It’s the huge push towards consumerism that’s so annoying about Christmas. And when it’s over, all of the other times throughout the year we are told to spend. Of course it’s a choice, but Christmas does feel like a huge pressure for families to deliver a nice day that the children can talk about when they return to school in January.

Im a strong believer that religious holidays should just be that - whoever wants to celebrate can. I wish gift giving was more about the thought rather than having the latest things. It’s expensive.

Moier · 21/12/2024 00:57

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Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

You know the OP hasn't got job?

kelsaycobbles · 21/12/2024 00:50

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CheeseyOnionPie · 21/12/2024 00:49

I’m sorry but you’re being quite unrealistic here. Sounds like you’re expecting a new government to have some sort of magic wand to improve life for everyone all at once? These things take time.

I do agree though that Christmas can feel awful when there is so much pressure to afford presents, special food, days out. There seems to be a lot more expected now than when I was a child.

user1492757084 · 21/12/2024 00:48

Yes, it is a nightmare.
There has never been so many people needing food help from charities.
Even more so with the poor management of a left wing government that can not rein in spending and slows the economy, taxes small businesses into closing etc. etc

Topseyt123 · 21/12/2024 00:41

I just don't like Christmas much and plenty of times have struggled to afford it in the past no matter what government is in power.

I think it should be no more frequent than every leap year, but I'm rather a bah humbug!

BashfulClam · 21/12/2024 00:39

You think the tax payer should be giving out bonuses for Christmas?

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