To feel like a shit parent?

[HCantThinkOfAUsername]

I hate this time of year. All I seem to hear is about Christmas.
Work my arse off but still can't afford anything and live week to week.
I appreciate what we have and want my dc to feel the same but it's so hard when they hear things from school and want them. How do I explain to a 4 year old?
Sorry just needed somewhere to rant.
Feel down and shit.

Those are lovely ideas both, thank you.
:)

If you want, you can turn your situation into an opportunity to intentially eschew the commercialism of Christmas.

We are what I would describe as aspiring minimalists and I have been amazed at how quickly my kids have started to run with the idea. I had a no gift birthday last month and when my 7 year old asked why I didn't have any presents I said I didn't need any as he and his sister are the best things I could ever have.

A week later and we were talking about Christmas and my son said that he only wanted 1 present from Santa then he could concentrate on enjoying it. He loves to tell people he is a minimalist even though we are a long way from being free of commercialism and stuff.

There are some great ideas and essays at theminimalists.com.

It may not be for you but it could give you the opportunity to feel more in control of your situation and turn a difficult scenario into an intentional one.

@situp that looks really interesting, I will look into this, I think I'll give this a go!

I agree we have really cut back on the presents, I didnt enjoy last year the mountains of presents that were ripped open and barely looked at. It was so wasteful and pointless.
This year he has a few presents and at 4 years old he will be more than happy.

He needed a new toothbrush and I bought one today from homebargains that was 29p he was so happy as it had rockets on it! And said thank you so much mummy.
4 years olds dont understand value, have you got a pound shop near you?

Some friends and I were talking about childhood Christmases the other day and memories. Mine was a Terry's chocolate orange from the family dog. And the Christmas decorations. My elderly Mother keeps trying to tell me what jewellery she will leave me, I only wabt the decorations.

My best friend remembered hot chocolate on Christmas eve and fizzy drinks with Christmas dinner. And a 52 year Company Director gets a selection box to eat for breakfast as she did when she was a child.

As the poster above said, none of us talked about the gifts, it was the excitement and magic around the time and the silly family traditions that make it your Christmas.

4 is a lovely age to start, let her choose one decoration a year (half price at Asada yesterday), choose a silly/cheesy Christmas film you watch every year. Make some Christmas sweets/treats closer to.the day.

These are things she will remember in years to come.