Cindy V

Christmas is such a stressful time of year for us. It's the dreaded list of people to buy for, that seems to grow and grow every year.

Every year we always manage to make things work but for me it's the dread and embarrassment of what others have bought for my children. Our friends and family are aware of our circumstances but many of them have really good jobs. I always feel really guilty when I see the quality of gifts that they gift us in comparison to what we have gave. It's very kind of them and we appreciate it very much. I just feel this overwhelming feeling of embarrassment every year and I hate the feeling of being pitied by others.

Sometimes I just wish santa really come down the chimney and drop off all the presents!

Speaking of santa.... It always worries me when my kids return to school and speak to other kids about what santa has brought them all. My youngest is still a believer. It makes me sad when her friends have been gifted numerous expensive gifts from santa and every year she asks why santa has given her friends so much more than her. It's always an awkward conversation.

I wish other parents would be mindful of this when giving from santa. Last year my daughter made a heartbreaking statement saying that she just must have not been as well behaved as these other children. It's so sad.

Other than the financial side of christmas. There is so much to be grateful for at Christmas. I love spending time with my family, playing board games, eating together and creating memories.

Christmas comes with a lot of worries but for us, there is a lot to be thankful for ♥️