Some people really aren’t able to afford Christmas presents for their kids. Why is this concept so hard to understand for some?

I was ripped off by a vet two years ago, who carried out thousands of pounds of unnecessary work only for my cat to die. I put it all on high interest credits cards.

Fast forward to now, I have no money whatsoever, all my disposable income goes on those cards, so I’ve had to approach a charity this year who are going to drop off second hand toys for my daughter this Christmas.

It’s a real low point for me. I work, I study, I’m a single mum and do everything I can, but this year has broke me financially, so it is what it is.

Because those who judge and those who say ‘you have all year’ have never truly struggled imo. If you have money through out the year to buy presents for Christmas you aren’t in poverty.

Most people know that there are poor people. I personally don't know any kids that have gone without Christmas presents though because there are so many charities and organizations that give lower income families toys and clothes. You just have to sign up for them and advocate for yourself/your family.

Sometimes you have to choose between getting clothes or food. There isnt always money left over at the end of the month to save let alone buy toys. Things happen like lay offs or medical bills. Its hard to imagine for some people but it could happen to anyone

Respectfully anyone who says “no excuse you have all year” has had everything handed to them. They’re the same families who have a village that they take for granted. They’re the same families that have the luxury to go out on yearly family trips and yes there’s nothing wrong with that but to willfully ignore that there are others who aren’t as fortunate is just rude.

I dont think people who've not faced genuine poverty can truly understand what its like so can't wrap their head round it. They think - what do you mean you can't afford £40???? It genuinely baffles some people honestly

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNR8ymU5h/ This was the post I saw on TikTok

I have no idea why people cannot understand this concept. I hope people that have disposable income donates presents/food/clothes to charities that are able to help people that are struggling. I've been putting things away all year for different charities

I’m not based in London, why?

Children need love and games. Not presents.

Oh that’s weird, I can’t see my own location, but I’m in Manchester.

But bless you, that’s really kind of you to offer. I asked my daughter what she wanted and she said some books, a ball and a teddy. So, we’ll be okay, I’m sure the charity can cover that. Thank you so much though, that’s very sweet of you x

Even if you had the whole year to plan ahead. Something big can happen just before Christmas where you have to spend all your savings on. Life ain’t that easy

Its been a thanksgiving tradition the past 7 years that shit will hit the fan in the most spectacular way on thanksgiving week. Usually our bank account is in the negative by christmas

I’ve had to buy my sons presents second hand otherwise he’d have nothing, I’ve been buying them for months as well.

That being said Christmas is about family time and memories, not presents.

I mean Santa isn't even real so technically giving Christmas gifts = telling kids Lying is okay

Thanks, I just went through Step Change, and I’m in the process of setting up a DMP. I didn’t want to do it because it will tank my credit history, but I’ve lost a stone in weight from skipping meals, and the stress is killing me. It’s been awful, so I have no regrets having to set up a DMP - come January things should start looking up for us 😊

I said no excuse, because I grew up poor and we always had something. There are SO many ways to get free things for your kids. Pay It Forward groups, Facebook marketplace, churches, charities, op shops, pay nothing sales, you either FIND or MAKE your child a gift.
One year my mum wrote me a cute little cartoon book it was just stapled paper and pen drawings. I still have it.
Sometimes our gifts were a seashell or a feather or a half burned candle. The point is to make your child feel precious to you, it’s not about money.

If you've never experienced it some people don't understand, also people's opinions of having no money differ, I have friends who think that having £300 a month left is them being broke.