I have $1 left!
By ctryhnny
@ctryhnny (3460)
United States
December 23, 2012 11:19am CST
I had to go to the store to pick up my last minute groceries and while I was out I was thinking about my kids and how we said this year was just going to be about the kids. Although I really couldn't afford it I bought a gift card for my daughter and her b/f to a restaurant they like. It was only $20. Then I thought about my son and his wife and I just couldn't go without getting them something so knowing he loves the lottery scratch tickets I bought them 4 Patriot (we live in Boston) $5 scratch tickets. I know they will love that. So now...I have $1 left until the 3rd of next month but I think I'll be ok because I have food in the house, cat food, litter and anything else I will need to get to my next check! Have you ever picked up last minute gifts for someone? Do you leave yourself with very little money left?
2 people like this
5 responses
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
23 Dec 12
I spent the most money on my mom and my youngest two kids. I have a gift for my four older kids and son in law to open, because I don't want them feeling left out. I have a gift bag for each of them with some lotions, a hand crocheted scarves, candy dishes and a couple of other little things. Two years ago, I bought them all gift cards, and they got lost in the mail. I was not happy about that one.
I have bought last minute gifts, but I won't be doing that this year. I am really on a mission to get me and my two younger kids out of my Moms house. We deserve to have a home of our own, and I've been working towards that goal.
I sure hope you will have enough food until the third of the month.
1 person likes this
@ctryhnny (3460)
• United States
23 Dec 12
I think I used to spend the most money on my Mom at Christmas but now that she's gone I wonder where that money came from at the time...lol....It's going to be a nice Christmas after all since I was able to get something for everyone and that makes me feel so good.
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26770)
• United Kingdom
23 Dec 12
I hope those tickets are lucky! And that gift card for the restaurant was very thoughtful. I tend to buy my presents throughout the year, that way I can stretch out my budget, rather than leaving it all to December, I hate going out Christmas Eve, for me Christmas Eve is part of Christmas and I like to stay in. I madly went around on Friday making sure I got the last minute shopping and gifts. Not forgetting a gift for myself! Mum wanted a dvd, and HMV was packed, the queue was out the door, I went back a couple of hours later and the queue was still long, but I waited and managed to get the dvd mum wanted. There, sorted!
@ctryhnny (3460)
• United States
23 Dec 12
That's something I should start doing myself. Buying all year leaves all the running around on Christmas Eve or DAy even. That was awesome that you went back to get the dvd your mom wanted. I'm sure she will appreciate it, Happy Holidays to you.
1 person likes this
@WakeUpKitty (8691)
• Netherlands
23 Dec 12
I am left behind already with hardly any money as soon as I received my income and 4 days later I payed the bills (rent, gas, electricity, taxes, health insurances, etc). But just like you I have mostly some food in my house. I save (small coins) for holidays/presents so if I buy them last minute it's from that saving money. I think I would need way less money if I would live alone, no kids. Most money (incl. the food) is going to them.
@WakeUpKitty (8691)
• Netherlands
25 Dec 12
Take care of yourself first! I know it's expensive as well trying only to feed yourself (must admit I would not cook if I would live alone). Also I hope your children will do something for you as well, since the gifts you gave them are way above your budget (nearly 100% of it).
@ccmacarayan (188)
• Philippines
25 Dec 12
God does not give us a burden that we cannot overcome. I was really down and out one day with only enough money to get me home but my wife calls me to say that we no longer have laundry soap. I was at a lost as to where I'll get the money to provide for this and as I was looking down on the floor deep in thought, I see this piece of crumple paper just lying there. When I picked it up I saw that it was a Php 1,000 bill! Since it was not mine, I asked those around who would claim ownership but they just gaped on me with confused eyes. Knowing my predicament, my companion said that the money was sent to me by God. Miracles do happen, my friend.
@ZoeJoy (1392)
• United States
23 Dec 12
I try very hard not to buy last minute Christmas gifts. They end up costing more than I thought. And often, not the most thoughtful gifts. I don't give gifts to the grown ups in my family except to my grown children. My siblings and I stopped giving each other gifts when we realized that we were better off saving our money for what we really need for ourselves.
I bought my gifts for my grown children months ago.
My son wanted to know what he could get me and I didn't have any ideas until I realized that I wanted a Christmas brooch. My daughter and her boyfriend are going to cook Christmas dinner for me, my husband and our family. I think that is a great Christmas gift.
