We are all hurting in every way right now. Everything costs so much, just putting gas in the car, if you have one, is painful. You are not alone. We are all feeling this squeeze right now. You did everything you could. You kept the lights on, you paid the rent. You worked your ass off.
This will be a christmas to remember, not because presents were abundant, but because you fought through it, and provided what you could. It's more than enough. If you are alone this Christmas, you are sadly mistaken. You have all of us here. Just speak out, we are family.
It's only a "dark winter" if we make it so.
My family decided before Thanksgiving to only celebrate Christmas this year. We put up a large, beautiful tree and used everything we could find that pertained to Christmas to decorate it without buying anything new. It's the most beautiful tree we have ever had. We had serious talks about gifts and everyone, even the kids, decided there was nothing we really needed or wanted and are spending the gift money on stocking up on supplies and helping some who are doing without. Instead of spending way too much money on a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings that usually cost a weeks supply of groceries, we are having homemade tacos (our favorite meal). And tomorrow we are delivering a queen size bed, that has never been sleep on, from my spare room to a family with 4 small children who all sleep together on an air mattress on the floor. Sheets, pillows, blankets and electric blanket included. We have been blessed with so much more than we actually need and I know this family will appreciate it more than I did. Going to invite them over for a taco Christmas dinner too.
Way to go.
Beautiful....