Okay, about the giveaways and my money situation and the Christmas Child boxes--there is no conflict or unwise spending. All the gifts in the Christmas Child boxes were bought mostly in the first six months of this year and before my current water problems. The only thing I bought after my water line broke was a $.68 bag of rubber bands because the boxes, per instructions, must have a rubber band on them to keep the contents from spilling.
I included an assortment of socks, gloves, scarves, bears/toys. I did not have twenty of anything. I put notebook paper or spiral notebook, pencils, pens, stickers, erasers, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, wash cloth in each box. I cannot remember what else. I still have enough to start on more next year at this time. I am not at the store filling boxes with my money that is stretched to the max. I did not add it up this year, but I am quite sure I spent less than $1 on each box.
The shipping is free. I am so stressed that I must look beyond myself and keep my mind occupied. That won't get me clean, but it is a distraction from the problems at hand.
As for the Elderly person in the nursing home, the as yet unnamed person, I will not be spending so much. I have all sorts of items, new that I can give her or him. I have a ton of toothpastes, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, lotions, Christmas mugs, Christmas cards--all new and a variety of each. I have a calendar that I am going to change from an ad to one with flowers on it. I will give something Christmas-y like an ornament for a tree or the window decorations that cling. Nothing was especially cheap at the regular price but was bought for pennies. Everything will come from my stash. If I spend $5, that will be the max. I do not intend to completely fund Christmas for someone. I am just trying to remember someone. I will make it clear to the nursing home that I am limited and not to take this woman's name from another list.
I like the giveways as a means of having some fun at Christmas. Yes, it may be my only fun. This first giveaway is just an assortment. Someone is giving me two books that the recipient can keep or give as a gift. The fourth giveaway is a garment I bought to wear and became ill and never did. It is one of only two items I have ever had that the tags never came off. I cannot get the money back. It is Christmas-y. I will tell you all about it when I post it. But, I want to have everything mailed by the middle of December so people can use the items for gifts.
I struggle at Christmas to be happy like I usually am. I struggle with losses and loneliness. The last thing I expected for the giveaways was more loneliness and a feeling of exclusion. No, the internet friends/acquaintances/followers are not substitutes, but they are someone/something to occupy my mind.
I appreciate the people who finally entered, but wish others would, too. These items are new, never in a smoky environment, never around an animal, and are not musty. Even those folk who are in a no-buy mood must be able to see something that would be suitable for a gift or a use for things I am giving away. I have never had a spectacular turnout for giveaways, so I don't expect a hundred people to enter. Do not enter here. Go HERE.
UPDATE
The cosmetics are for my daughter for Christmas, not for the giveaway. The last cosmetic item I bought is going back and I am going to use a Kmart gift card I got for a return to repurchase the cosmetics. So, that will not cost me that cash I did pay out. So, her $60 of cosmetics for Christmas will be about $3, not sure, but I did find the receipts.
I bought the rubber bands with the WM gift card I got from Energizer Battery Rebate. Remember, I had 10 of the $10 gift cards from the Energizer Rebate.
For each of the Christmas Child boxes, I received a coupon for a Chic-fil-A sandwich. Exbf and I used two for our lunch when he was here on Friday to help me.
Oh, when the library opens on Monday, I can tell you what I have received through PayPal.
Your turn
Any more confusion or questions? Do you still think I am spending money when I have none to spare? Do you think I am spending when I could use that money for my water problem?
It is an incredibly generous offer - and I know you have been collecting for it all year.
ReplyDeleteAnd, at the end of the day, you are entitled to spend money - even though times are tough for you.
Hugs.
EC,
DeleteThanks. The money I spend is for the occasional Burger King Whopper Jr. But, I have 20 coupons for Chic-fil-A to fill in the gap in ability to cook. Really, I should not have either fast food. I cannot stand to wash dishes and now they are all dirty...yes, first world problem...lol.
What I mean is that I cannot stand up long enough to wash dishes, sort of leaning without support. If I put my elbows on the front of the sink, I direct water to my elbows and soak the cabinets under the sink.
DeleteI don't think you are being wasteful. If anyone implies that, I would ignore them
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteIt appears that some people are not donating because I am foolish and spending money unwisely which is absolutely not true. Thanks.
Oh Linda,
ReplyDeleteEverything has been so hard on you. I am really sorry. For what it is worth...I do not think you are wasteful. I am glad you have found frugal ways to have Christmas spirit. Take care.
Man I really stirred up a hornets nest. I never thought you were being foolish, or using your limited funds unwisely. I just did not want to make your life more uncomfortable, or delay the repairs to your water and sewage. Please forgive me.
ReplyDeleteKristine,
DeleteNo, not you!
Christmas can be an emotional roller coaster, anyhow, and I think you have enough stress that you can't control right now. If it gives you joy to be a giver, no matter what the size, I say go for it! That's what Christmas is all about.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I have way too much stress right now.
DeleteI understand how helping others is a wonderful distraction and I see how that is a better focus for you. Chin up and enjoy the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteSonya Ann,
DeleteI will probably not enjoy it much, not deep down inside. But, having water is going to be one step to enjoying anything.
20 Christmas Child boxes, wow! You are very thoughtful to think of these dear children when you have so many difficulties of your own. That's a very nice gesture.
ReplyDeleteSue, Thanks. I do get the free sandwich coupon for each...lol. However, I would do it without those.
DeleteCherdo, Sonya Ann, and Sue,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the thoughts. And, Kristine is not the problem. I got this from complaints and questions for others on the internet. Donations have dried up and it looks like a long dry Christmas. Thanks again.
Who said you were? Too many people voice their opinions when they aren't asked for.
ReplyDeletelotta joy,
DeleteSome people email! And, it was just a general feeling plus the one comment from someone who is NOT the cause. I had this feeling all along when not one person wanted any of this stuff for themselves or anyone else at Christmas. I suppose it my fault for assuming people would remember how I fund the Christmas Child boxes. Thanks.
I'm sorry you're feeling judged. I sometimes feel guilty when I spend $ on non-necessities when I know that money could go elsewhere, aka debt. I rationalize that life is a balancing game. There will always be bills, so I have to find a way to take care of what's due & still have a little fun or else I'll go bonkers.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I never enter blog giveaways. Particularly if I don't need the items or have anyone to give them to (I hate clutter lol).
tlc,
DeleteI WAS being judged. I got emails, too. Thanks for understanding. I have forgotten what fun is!
Linda, judgemental people lick that tick me off. If they read all of your posts they would see that you do those Christmas presents on a shoestring budget and bought the stuff earlier this year.
ReplyDeletePeople like that say rotten things but never help anyone but themselves. I am touched that someone in your condition still tries to help others out. It reminds me of the widow's offering that Jesus spoke of in Luke 21.
I proudly donated to your fund and ignore those bitter jaded people and I hope you have a Merry (and wet) Christmas.