Last year we went into the Christmas season with no money.
None.
Not knowing how or if you will be able to give your children Christmas presents is a terrible feeling.
And then, a Christmas miracle happened.
This year our financial situation isn’t any better, and again, I found myself sick with worry about how I would provide the kids with Christmas.
I had gotten a couple of hand-me-down things from friends to put under the tree.
But there were still some gifts I was hoping to get.
So I sent a Facebook message to some of my friends:
I was hoping to check a couple things off the list.
A few of my friends got back to me.
My running buddy left a surprise in the back of my car.
And then my friend M asked when she could come and drop some stuff off.
We decided on today at 2 pm.
M had sent out a message to a few of her friends, and she told me they had given her some stuff.
I got home from Number 6’s Christmas party today and she was waiting in my driveway.
I got out of the car.
She gave me a big hug.
And then she said,
“Don’t be overwhelmed,” and she opened the back of her minivan.
Holy shit.
It was full.
Her neighbors and friends had not only donated some stuff their kids didn’t use anymore, but they had gone out shopping for us.
They had bought brand-new presents for my children.
And again, I have gone from not knowing how I was going to give my kids the Christmas they deserve to this:
I have spent the afternoon randomly bursting into tears.
I am overwhelmed. Humbled. Grateful.
Blown away.
Thank you to my friends.
Thank you to complete strangers.
Thank you for giving my children another incredible Christmas.
We have received so much that we will be able to do for some family what you have all done for us.
I hugged my friend and burst into tears multiple times today.
She told me not to cry, but it was impossible.
And then she said to me,
“I learned something important from this. All you need to do is ask for help.”
She is right.
There are so many good people out there.
People you know. And people you don’t.
They will help you.
They want to help you.
All you need to do is ask.
Miracles do happen, and the magic of Christmas is definitely alive.
You are truly blessed! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Echo! You’re right! Merry Christmas to you, too!
This is awesome !
We’re getting by on the fact that our 2 yrold doesn’t understand yet about asking for gifts/santa/lights ie Christmas/birthdays as a whole
Trish, we haven’t really gotten presents for our kids until they were three. You’re not the only one!
Now you have me randomly bursting into tears! What wonderful friends. Merry, merry Christmas!
We are very lucky.
God is good!! You have wonderful friends! Merry Christmas!
How wonderful! I was thinking of those posts recently.
Merry Christmas!
This is a great reminder to remember to give back this holiday season instead of just focusing on buy buy buy. Thanks, beautiful story!
That’s a great story! We try and avoid all the junk type toys and opt for project stuff.. I made a video of their christmas list to give to their grandparents and for the most part what he asked for doesn’t even exist ha! self cleaning purple pools and rainbow doors! http://youtu.be/uINQhFOqeHA
To have friends, with such giving hearts, is a true gift! The smile and excitement on Christmas morning, from your crew, will be a precious gift 🙂
This made me cry!!!!!! You have amazing friends! I wish you and your family a very merry christmas
This sounds very similar to my story! We had absolutely no idea how to give our kids a Christmas this year. A relative gave me $145 in Kohls cash and some good friends gave me some hand me downs for the kids! Everything worked out! I cried! May you and your family have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
That’s awesome! Im happy for you! God bless you and your family!
Thank you FranCine. We are a lucky family. Merry Christmas to you.
So beautiful! First time reading your blog. I am a married mother of 4 Five and under and feel overwhelmed most of my life. I hate to admit because I used to be wonder woman in my career and previous life but now as a stay at home mom I feel like I can’t get my shit together for a single second. excuse the language! But I believe in big families and being pro-life and have dreamed of this life my entire life and want to do it as best as I can. Been reading your posts and they give me comfort and a smile and really encourage me today. thank you – plus question – i am really fighting not “yelling” all the time and not being resentful towards my kids for all the work they cause me…. any words of wisdom on that? Plus I am a runner too!!! keeping me sane!
Hang in there Catie 😉
You are in a tough stage right now, with 4 under 5. It’s not too early to start giving them some responsibility, and start training them to help you out! Also, don’t stop running. Keep that time for yourself! As for the yelling, I’m not sure if you’ve read this, but if not, maybe it will help:
Hang in there!
This has me in tears. People can be wonderful. Especially when you ask!
YES! I have lots of incredible Christmas memories, from times when I had enough money and times when I had none.