An idea about Xmas presents

[scoobydoo]

There has been a post OTR regarding a poster who is in real financial difficulty and can not afford a present for his son.

I had an idea but I dont know how it would work because of privacy etc.

But if there is anyone on here who could make use of computer games or maybe games that have not even been used maybe some of us with older children could donate some .

But if the items were heavy then the recepient could perhaps send a PO or something to cover cost?

If not I know freecycle can be useful or Oxfam etc - but this really would be free?

Just a thought.

Scooby

[Mochamoo]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Do you have a link hun? or his details?

Do you know anything about the kid (age etc) or what games console he has?

My OH has, wii, ps3 and another one (I forget its name) and as I am crap at buying computer related things he now has 2 of most of the games.

[theGobbyOne]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

I will also donate something if we have details. Any link to it???

[calamity jane]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...ml#post1842443

[Mochamoo]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Just to add .... I like Scoobs Idea. I have tons of books, games and other bits (as new) I am more than happy to send to anyone on this site or OTR as xmas gifts if they need them.



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How do you tell a 9 year old?
How do you tell a 9 year old that Santa is as broke as us and wont be coming this year?

How do you tell a 9 year old that I have hidden my car because we are short of cash and the council want to sell it?

How can I pretend to my son that it is a good world when as soon as you get problems everyone and their dog wants their pound of flesh and charge you for it.

How do you deal with a 9 year old crying in the kitchen because he is hungry?

I was on my own with my debt problems until I found this group, I now have the confidence to tackle my enemies, I now have the knowledge to play them at their own games, I know how to beat them and I have support from you guys.

How do I tell my 9 years old son who I have vowed to protect for as long as I draw breath?

How?

[WendyB]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Well I don't want anyone to think I'm "Bah, Humbug" ing, and I do really feel sorry for this guy OTR. But that's only because he's in the spotlight right now. If people really want to do something nice, what about kids closer to home? There must be a kids home/care home/family down the road from you with no money. These days there must be a family in every street in that situation. Who haven't had the nerve to ask that question on an internet forum, or who are to ashamed or proud to publicise it. I personally would rather go and donate to them. Kids in care often don't have anyone at all, at least the little boy OTR has a loving dad looking out for him.

I am not having a go at anyone, this is just my own personal opinion.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

[scoobydoo]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

No

you are quite right to say that .

I think that when we were on benefits we always used Oxfam or bought second hand and when the kids are young they do not know the difference .

I think the free cycle site had been mentioned but I am not sure what you would get in the way of toys and you are restricted to local area.

We also used boot sales and still do .However I guess at the moment there are people who can not even do that if they have no money at all.

I definitely have toys and games and I think maybe it should make us more aware of having a good sort out and taking them to Oxfam or something similar and hopefully they will go to a good home

[theGobbyOne]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Well I have a slightly different slant on it..........He wasnt asking for any help from us his post was one of despair and I understand where he is coming from. I understand the point made about kids in care and I do something to help them anyways but it is very sad that this little boy isnt going to have any gifts. And while some posters say at least he has a loving dad you tell that to a 9 year old............they dont 'get it'
Christmas is a time for helping for those less fortunate than us and I for 1 will do all I can to help this man and his boy not because I want thanks or praise for it but because I want to. If that means we have a little less food and drink that gets thrown out anyway then so be it. I know we cant help everyone but I thought that is what life is all about..........maybe I was wrong.
xx

[scottishlass]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Not sure if they do this where you are,but in most towns here and the likes of Asda we have a christmas tree and on the tree there are gift tags, you pick a gift tag and it has the age and sex of child (mostly kids in care) and there are designated drop off points for the gifts. I have done this for years now even when I could least afford it, just the thought of putting a smile on someones face is a great feeling.

[bloomingflower]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Hi


I was very sad to read this, and it brought a lump to my throat. I would like to help this poster but the poster hasn't given any contact details, ( which I obviously understand because of confidentiality ) and also he/she has said that everyone has been so kind to offer but she/he could not accept any gifts.

This is the time of year when everyone should be happy, especially parents and their children. I have 3 of my own, a son of 20 who has moved out to live with his GF, and two young daughters 13 and 8. Me and my o/h know about life's financial struggles and I hate to see anyone else in same situation.

If anyone can get some contact details, (should I pm? ) I would be more than happy to send her/his son a shopping gift voucher., so that he can buy himself something nice for christmas.

The only thing I would be worried about is that I wouldnt want the poster to be 'offended' (if thats the right word). Pride is a very vulnerable thing, I know cos ive been there myself, where family have offered in the past, and ive said thankyou, but no thankyou.



bfxx

[scoobydoo]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Well I have a slightly different slant on it..........He wasnt asking for any help from us his post was one of despair and I understand where he is coming from. I understand the point made about kids in care and I do something to help them anyways but it is very sad that this little boy isnt going to have any gifts. And while some posters say at least he has a loving dad you tell that to a 9 year old............they dont 'get it'
Christmas is a time for helping for those less fortunate than us and I for 1 will do all I can to help this man and his boy not because I want thanks or praise for it but because I want to. If that means we have a little less food and drink that gets thrown out anyway then so be it. I know we cant help everyone but I thought that is what life is all about..........maybe I was wrong.
xx

I agree with this comment .

I think the more you read the post you can see they were really asking how do they explain the situation to a child that age.

And in general ( not all families) we have built christmas up to be a very materialistic time.

unfortunately when you start that at an early age it is difficult to turn that around just in one year.

Personally my children would have understood at that age - and would be happy just to have the family together and spend time relaxing.

But today there is huge pressure and guilt if you dont give the right presents.

oh for the days of satsumas and nuts and presents in a pillow case. And it is the odd presents I remember - indoor fireworks/a magnetic face that you moved the hair and beard about on, cats cradle, my first tiny tears ( second hand but presented in a moses basket) Rolf Harris stylaphone!And those kalidascopes that the shapes moved about.

Whoops really showing my age now.

[theGobbyOne]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

Not sure if they do this where you are,but in most towns here and the likes of Asda we have a christmas tree and on the tree there are gift tags, you pick a gift tag and it has the age and sex of child (mostly kids in care) and there are designated drop off points for the gifts. I have done this for years now even when I could least afford it, just the thought of putting a smile on someones face is a great feeling.

Yes SL you are right and I usually buy several gifts for kids on the tree too. I also sort all my kids stuff out and take it to our local NSPCC collection. Seems to me that some peeps forget what the essence of Christmas is!!!!
Long live Santa!!!!!!
x

[Amethyst]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

I'm vary wary of posts like that one, and theres another on the site too now. Just be careful, offer support and if you have bits you don't use then helping out is wonderful of you...just please don't send money/vouchers, advice and support and ideas to make christmas great without the flashy crap will be worth 10 times more.

I remember all the little bits too and the effort and thought behind stuff. my kids do too, just asked my daughter what i got her for christmas last year and she has no idea whatsoever, (actually neither do I) but she remembers the tree and opening her stocking (satsumas galore)

[Mochamoo]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

I don't celebrate Christmas and from my point of view it is just a another "hallmark" holiday designed to pressure people in to spending lots of money and in into giving the right gift. I was brought up with traditional arabic values, wherby you give to charity all year (a % of your income)

My OH's family are religous and i do have to go be jolly, but it makes me sad every year the amount of time spent on presents and how every year I watch friends and family run up huge amounts of debt...for what?! People dont need gifts to know that I love them, Ive never got my head around the whole present thing.

Christmas should be about spending time with the people you love and for telling people you love them. I spend Christmas morning going to homless shelters giving out gloves, socks, toothbrushes etc. Its the only part of the day I like.

I do think the magic of Santa is quite cute and that kids shouldnt have to grow up as soon as they do. No child should go without at christmas but they shouldnt expect to be given the entire contents of high street either!

Bah Humbug lol

[theGobbyOne]

Re: An idea about Xmas presents

I'm vary wary of posts like that one, and theres another on the site too now. Just be careful, offer support and if you have bits you don't use then helping out is wonderful of you...just please don't send money/vouchers, advice and support and ideas to make christmas great without the flashy crap will be worth 10 times more.

I remember all the little bits too and the effort and thought behind stuff. my kids do too, just asked my daughter what i got her for christmas last year and she has no idea whatsoever, (actually neither do I) but she remembers the tree and opening her stocking (satsumas galore)

Tis funny you noticed that Ame as I have just noticed the other one too. But my nice side wants to believe they are genuine and I dont want to think that anyone would tell porkies to get freebies so to speak!
xx