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I am a 41 year old mother of 4 and a new college student. I entered the Human Services program at Skagit Community College last January. I have 4 kids (2 grown, one 17 yrs. old., and one 11yr. old) all boys. Two of my kids have disabilities and have had a difficult childhood as they have been teased and discriminated against by peers as well as adults. This is what sent me in the direction of Human Services.
I am not looking for a hand-out; just a hand-up this holiday season as my husband is unemployed, and our income at this time is only $240.00 over our rent, so there is nothing left for extras. Although I am seeking help, I am also willing and able to volunteer this Holiday season for any agency that is close enough for me to get to.
My family and I live in Camano Is. and there isn't much in the way of help here as it is considered Island County, but closer to Snohomish County.

It seems like the stress of the holidays bring out the worse in people. I know growing up that it affected our family every so often emotions exploded. Even I went through a breakup with a boyfriend in Dec. Something about holidays the tension to do too much or expectations just put a damper on the holidays. In these days it hurts too much when it is hard whether single or with someone to make ends meet. It is really a shame we let holidays affect our mood or the moods of those in relationships. Just thinking back on past holidays for sure and seeing the stress of it on this site with expectations people have about the holidays.

BANGOR – Lafayette Hotels, owner of 27 hotels in Maine, New Hampshire and Michigan is offering free rooms to families who have children or relatives in the hospital over the holidays. The program called, ‘Home for the Holidays’ is offered over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visitors are first screened by the hospital and then referred to the hotel by the hospital. The program is also available to families facing an emergency or extreme hardship such as a death in the family or having their home destroyed by fire.

The ‘Home for the Holidays’ program also offers rooms to military personnel who are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and to their families.

“Our company has been doing this program for 14 years,” said Peter Daigle, chief operating officer of Lafayette Hotels. “Each year we hear many touching stories. The program was originally developed for families, particularly those with children, but we’ve expanded it over the years to include people who have suffered emergencies such as losing their home to a fire.” says Daigle.

The Black Bear Inn here in Orono, owned by Lafayette Hotels is participating in the program. “Our company has been doing this program for 14 years,” said Tom Palmer, general manager. “Our ‘Home for the Holidays’ program insures that the cost of a hotel room doesn’t stand in the way of visiting a child or relative in the hospital during this special time of year. We hope that the program makes things a bit easier for those in need and that it can help a patient feel better sooner.”

Lafayette Hotels properties sponsoring the program are the Comfort Inn Ocean’s Edge, Belfast, Maine, the Black Bear Inn, Orono, Maine, the Fireside Inn and Suites, Bangor, Maine, the Best Western White House, Bangor, Maine, the Fireside Inn, Waterville, Maine, the Fireside Inn and Suites, Auburn, Maine, the Best Western Merry Manor, South Portland, Maine, Lafayette’s Oceanfront Resort, Wells Beach, Maine, the Senator Inn and Spa, Augusta, Maine, the Fireside Inn and Suites in Gilford, New Hampshire and West Lebanon, New Hampshire and the Best Western Greenfield Inn in Allen Park, Michigan. Several Lafayette Hotels offer special year round rates for families and parents at area hospitals. Families may make reservations for ‘Home for the Holidays’ by contacting their hospital or calling the hotel directly.

For more information, call 862-8000 or visit  pdaigle@roadrunner.com

For More Information:

Contact Name: Peter Daigle

Telephone Number: (207)862-8000

Website: http://lafayettehotels.biz

Email: pdaigle@roadrunner.com

 We live in West Subs of Chicago,IL. I am begging,pleading,asking,for help for my family. I realize it's 10 days until Christmas.I have done everything I can to try to get help. My husband does work,but it's been severely slow all year. The past 3 mos.he's blessed to get 3 days/week. I'm disabled w/a brain & neuro.condition,however,I don't qualify for SSI. My son is 17 and I wasn't able to get him a birthday gift this year due to all our money is rent,bills,and Rxs. There is 0 left over. I'm not asking for alot. If there is someone who can adopt my family so we can have a decent Christmas,please contact me.I'm only asking for some things for my son,even if it's 1 pair of jeans,we are so desperate. If you are serious and can,want,and able to help us,email me at: ajs9565@gmail.com .Please only those who are serious and able to help. I've tried our govt for help to 0 avail. Thank you for reading this.To those who can and want to help-thank you so much in advance. Thank you all !                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

By Mayo Clinic staff

The holiday season, which begins for most Americans with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day, often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. So much for peace and joy, right?

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Recognize holiday triggers

Learn to recognize common holiday triggers, so you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown:

• Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you're thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad.
• Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind. Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.
• Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep — good antidotes for stress and fatigue — may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays

Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you may find that you enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

Hello all, so you want to know just what is, “Do You Have Faith”? Well it is exactly that, you will be blessed by your Faith. Ok, that sounds a little like blasphemy as if am God. Well let me put it another way, if you prayed and God has sent you our way then maybe we can assist you.

1. Is there a catch?  Well that depends on your Faith.

2. Do I have to pay any money?  Yes a little.  

3. Is this a Scam? NO, if we can assist you we will be happy to.

Who we are? We are not an organization or a company. We are a couple who are trying to help a family get through this holiday if we can. Believe me; we know how far a little can go even if our government doesn’t. 

The Fee: Yes we ask that you pay a fee that we use for a donation. To help others like you that is in need. The Fee that we ask of you is between $20.00 to $30.00 witch is used for shipping and to help the next person.

Why we are sorry  We know everyone can’t afford the fee, but we can’t afford to give the things that we give and pay all the shipping and so forth. This is why we ask that come together as a family. Pray in one accord and ask God are we the ones that can help you. 

So how does this work?

Ok first check to see do we have anything that you can use. 

Second email us with you needs and Questions and will go from there.

1. Children’s cloths size (Boys) (Girls)

2. Toys (Boys) (Girls) and aged

3. Nationality (Optional)

Some items are used

Some items are new

And some items are new with package damage

We Have Available

Matchbox Cars

Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Game

Barbie Dolls

Cabbage Patch Kids dolls

Baby Clothes

Adult Clothes (Low Stock)

Sorry No Shoes

Fast Food Toys

Glass Mugs

And much more!!!

www.christmashelp.org
http://www.ehow.com/how_4582124_christmas-help-low-income-families.html
www.hudsonstarobserver.com/event/article/id/40660/

Want to let eveyone know that "wishupononhero" is granting
food wishes ($25 dlrs) from know until the 25th, so if yr in need for Thanksgiving, go place yr wish order!!!

I am the mother of 4 children with various disabilities and delays. I survived a husband who was physically, mentally, sexually, emotionally and verbally abusive. Our family just moved here from the Florida in April. Finances are strained tight now and we are barely getting by.
My oldest son, Daniel is 19 although mentally he is only about 13. He has Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation, Anxiety, Depression, Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder and Combined Type ADHD. He has hyper distended wrists, an extremely toed-in walk and slack muscle tone (hypotonia). He takes 2 medications for the psychiatric conditions and is in an Alternative High School. He receives Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies in school as well as Adaptive Phys Ed and Counseling.
My younger son, Damian (15) has Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, Aggression, Combined Type ADHD and Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder. He takes 3 medications for his psychiatric conditions. He attends a special education program where he receives Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies as well as Adaptive Phys Ed and Counseling.
My older daughter, Dakota (12) has Aggression, Depression, Anxiety, Combined Type ADHD as well as a mild hearing impairment. She takes 3 medications for these conditions as well. She has had tubes placed in her ears to improve her hearing. She attends a Collaborative Team Teaching class and she receives Counseling in school.
My younger daughter, Amanda (10) has had delays in all aspects of her development since she was born. Her fine motor, gross motor, speech, social and educational skills have been significantly delayed. She attends a Collaborative Team Teaching class ( in a school for children with behavioral problems) where she receives Speech, Physical and Occupational therapies as well as Counseling. She was diagnosed with Combined Type ADHD, Aggression, Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and has been put on 3 medications.
My family also includes 3 "therapy" dogs (Chica, Buddy and Sassy). These dogs were rescues from FL, GA and NC and they are being trained to assit my children and I in their needs and in "crisis" situations. Chica will "retrieve" a child that falls and bring him/her to me. She will also bring tetephone to me, when needed. Buddy provides tactile stimulation and soothing reassurance to my children with Autism when they are having a "rough day". Sassy is our "newest" and her training is still a work in progress. We haven't quite figured out her "niche" yet.
I am unable to work as the children need me at home to supervise the distribution of morning, afternoon and evening medications as well as to schedule and attend various doctor appointments with them. Three of the four children receive SSI and the 4th child and myself are on Public Assistance. We receive $113 in Food Stamps. I do NOT receive any cash assistance from Public Assistance for myself and my 4th child.
We often have to go to food pantries to make up the difference in food for the month and any additional clothing the children need we usually get there. (Sometimes we are lucky enough to get the dogs' some food there too.)
I am doing the best that I can but it is a constant struggle and I myself am not well. I suffer from Migraines very badly and take medication daily to control them. I also take medication to sleep as I suffer from Insomnia and I suffer from Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. I take medication for these as well.
My children are MY LIFE and there is NOTHING I wouldn't do for them! They have been very good this year in school and at home. They deserve SO much more than I can give them right now. I moved them away from everything they ever knew and everyone they loved. Now I need help to make their 1ST Christmas here a happy one for them.
I am NOT a lazy person and, since I cannot stay home all day, while the children are at school, I try (on my good days) to "give back" to others by assisting a social worker. I am an outreach worker for her clients who are in need of services outside the realm of her agency. I do this on a voluntary basis. However rewarding, this activity does not increase my income and so, I am coming to you for assistance.
I am asking for your assistance with food, toys or clothing for my children for the holidays. We would be so very grateful for anything we received.
My oldest son, Daniel Jr., is a size Men's 2XL in shirts and pants
(36 x 34 or 36) and a size 12 in shoes or sneakers.
My younger son, Damian, is a size 32 in pants (Men's L) and in shirts and a size 11.5 in shoes or sneakers.
My oldest daughter, Dakota, is a Girls size 14 or (S) in shirts and pants and a size 8.5 in shoes and sneakers.
My baby daughter, Amanda, is a size Girls 16 or (XL) in pants and Women's L in shirts and size 8.5 in shoes and sneakers.
As far as toys go, they don't have anything (since they had to leave almost everything back in FL when we moved) so they would love anything they received. They love arts and crafts sets, nature sets, hand held video games, barbie dolls, Fushigi ball, Lego blocks, and pretend play sets. They love Moon Sand, Aquadots, WWE Wrestlers, Yugioh, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock, educational PC games, kids DVD movies or kids CDs and coloring supplies.
They would love new blankets, quilts or sheets (Twin or Full size) for their rooms too since we came here with next to nothing. We could also use food gift certificates as well 9and maybe a little something for the dogs too. Anything at all would be great and REALLY appreciated!!!

Well, thanks for listening and thanks for your time and for reading this letter. May God Bless You and Yours this holiday season.

Even more families are facing an economic crisis of their own this year. With the holidays right around the corner, it’s hard to find the money to pay for necessities, much less holiday preparations.  But there is hope and help.

I do realize that some of this information is specific to the WNY area. However, Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army are available nation-wide and can assist with the holiday season. Click on the links below to be directed to their home page and they can link you up with services in your area.

Toys for Tots will be holding its annual collection and donation for the holiday season. “Toys“R”Us, ( and “Babies R Us”) Inc. launched its seventh annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation…” Shaq will be headlining as Santa on Toys R US,  Facebook and Twitter keeping everyone apprised of efforts to assist families this Christmas season.

Also assisting children this holiday season will be the Salvation Army. Once again, they have teamed up with J C Penney and are continuing the Angel Tree tradition this year.

In addition, the Salvation Army provides much needed assistance this time of year for many families: the neighbor for neighbor heat fund ( heating assistance for the elderly and disabled), the gift of warmth ( winter clothing to be distributed to needy families) , Christmas assistance (toys, gifts and food during the holiday season) among many other programs. You can contact the Salvation Army at (716) 883-9800

The News Neediest Fund services needy families throughout WNY for the holidays. They request if you need help for the holidays, please call 2-1-1 or 1(888) 696-9211 before Dec 8 to get application information. 

All recipients of the News Neediest Fund will be checked by the WNY Holiday Partnership to assure that families are not served by more than one agency.

Just a reminder, sign up as soon as possible to ensure you get on the list.

Holiday Resources for Low-Income/Homeless
Behind the cut is a listing of various holiday dinners, food basket locations, and other holiday resources.

While I am aware that many people checking a LiveJournal community aren't going to need these resources, perhaps you know or work with someone who does. I thought this might be a good thing to post here so that information was available.

This listing is for King County area resources. I received it from a colleague so I don't have any further information than what is provided.


Christmas Dinner
His Ministry
1320 Auburn Way S Grace Community Church, Auburn, WA 98002
Date and time to be announced the first week in December 2008
Contact: (253) 315-9570

Holiday Food
University District Food Bank
1413 NE 50th St University Christian Church, Seattle, WA 98105
Provides holiday food for eligible low-income residents; Dec. 22-24, 2008 . Contact: (206) 523-7060

Toy N Joy
Salvation Army - Social Services Department - Renton
206 S Tobin St, Renton, WA 98055
Provides Christmas food baskets and toys for low-income, eligible Renton/Skyway area households; walk in to apply, Nov. 3-Nov. 14, 2008 or Dec. 1-Dec. 9, 2008. Contact: Main at (425) 255-5969

Christmas Food
Salvation Army - Social Services Department - Renton
206 S Tobin St, Renton, WA 98055
Provides Christmas food baskets for low-income, eligible Renton/Skyway area households; walk in to apply, Nov. 3-Nov. 14, 2008, or Dec. 1-Dec. 9, 2008. Contact: (425) 255-5969

Christmas Food and Toys
Northwest Community Services Food Bank
4205 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Registration for Christmas Toy for current clients ONLY for 2008 Holiday Season. Contact: Emily Robertson at (206) 723-4105

Holiday Dinner
Millionair Club Charity, Inc.
2515 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Provides a holiday dinner for anyone in need; walk in, noon-1:30pm, Dec. 23, 2008. Contact: (206) 728-5627

Holiday Party for Families in Need
Family & Adult Service Center
1411 1st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
Offers a children's Christmas party for homeless and low-income families; includes refreshments, Santa and gifts for all children, ages 18 and younger; Dec. 21, 2008.
Contact: (206) 357-3125

Christmas Dinner
CityTeam Ministries
904 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119
Serves a casual sit-down Christmas dinner for anyone in need; Dec. 20, 2008. Contact: (206) 352-1300

Giving Tree and Toy 'N Joy
Salvation Army - Social Services Department - East King
911 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Provides toys for children in eligible low-income East and North King
County families. Walk in to register, Oct. 8 - Dec. 12, 2008.
Contact: (425) 452-7300

Holiday Food and Gifts
Kent Food Bank and Emergency Services
515 W Harrison St Suite 107, Kent, WA 98032
Provides holiday gifts and food boxes for residents of the Kent School District; gifts are available for children ages 12 and younger. Walk in to register by Dec. 9, 2008. Contact: (253) 520-3550

Holiday Gift Room
Hopelink - Northshore
18220 96th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011
Provides holiday gifts for children, ages birth-18; Northshore School District families; must register by Dec. 5, 2008; see application instructions for how to become a food pantry client.
Contact: (425) 485-6521

Christmas Food
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Food and Clothing Bank
5972 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Provides Christmas food for anyone in need, with priority given to Georgetown residents; walk in 10am-2pm, Dec. 22 or 23, 2008.
Contact: (206) 767-9975 ext 121

Christmas Family Assistance
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Council of Seattle Area
Administrative Office 5950 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Offers Christmas help for some areas of King County; conferences determine eligibility and type of aid, which may include items such as food, toys and clothing. Not all conferences have a Christmas program.
Contact: (206) 767-6449

Christmas in the City - Toy Giveaway
Seattle International Church
7141 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136
Distributes over 10,000 toys for children of any family in need at Christmas musical and church service; Dec. 13 & 14, 2008.
Contact: (206) 256-0100

Christmas Toys Project
ROAR - Referrals, Opportunities, Advocacy and Resources
717 N 36th St Fremont Baptist Church, Seattle, WA 98103
Collects and distributes toys for low-income children with working or student parents, ages birth through 16, who are residents of the Seattle School District; call to register before Nov. 6, 2008.
Contact: (206) 634-1977

Christmas Food Vouchers
Queen Anne Helpline
311 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98119
Provides grocery store gift certificates for the purchase of Christmas food for eligible Queen Anne area residents; apply by Nov. 25, 2008.
Contact: (206) 282-1540

Children's Christmas Party and Gifts
Queen Anne Helpline
311 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98119
Offers a children's Christmas party with gifts, Santa Claus, stockings and food for eligible Queen Anne area residents. Apply by Nov. 25, 2008. Contact: (206) 282-1540

Christmas Food
Providence Regina House
8201 10th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Provides Christmas food primarily for South Seattle residents, though no one will be turned away; December 20, 2008.
Contact: (206) 763-9204

Christmas Food
Northwest Harvest
711 Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98104
Offers Holiday food to take home and cook or a prepared sack lunch to anyone in need, walk in, 9am-5pm, Dec. 22 & Dec. 24, 2008.
Contact: (206) 625-0755

Christmas Meal
Blessed Sacrament Church Food Bank
5050 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Offers a Christmas meal for anyone in need; coordinated by St. Vincent de Paul Conference; Dec. 28, 2008.
Contact: (206) 424-3020

Christmas Food
Mount Si Helping Hand
116 E 3rd St North Bend Community Church, North Bend, WA 98045
Provides regular food pantry service, probably including special Christmas foods; for anyone, with focus on Snoqualmie Valley area; Dec. 24, 2008. Contact: (425) 888-0096

Christmas Meal
YWCA of Seattle/King County/Snohomish County - Angeline's Center for Homeless Women
2030 3rd Ave YWCA Opportunity Place, Seattle, WA 98121
Provides a traditional Christmas Day meal for any women, ages 18 and older, in need; walk in Dec. 25, 2008.Contact: (206) 436-8650

Holiday Food Distribution
North Helpline
12707 30th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Provides holiday food for people who are homeless and residents of North Seattle; walk in Dec. 20, 2008. Contact: (206) 365-8043

Winter Holiday Food
Hopelink - Northshore
18220 96th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011
Offers select holiday food items for low-income Northshore School District residents; must register before Dec. 12, 2008; see application for instructions on how to register. Contact: (425) 485-6521

Youth Holiday Party
Bellevue Parks and Community Services - Crossroads Community Center 16000 NE 10th St, Bellevue, WA 98008
Coordinates a holiday party for Bellevue youth, ages 5-18; includes gifts; Dec. 16, 2008. Contact: (425) 452-4874

Holiday Meal
Bellevue Parks and Community Services - Crossroads Community Center 16000 NE 10th St, Bellevue, WA 98008
Provides a free holiday meal for Bellevue families in need; includes children's arts & crafts activities before the meal; January 9th, 2009.
Contact: (425) 452-4874

Christmas Day Dinner
YouthCare - Orion Multi-Service Center
1828 Yale Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Provides a Christmas Day dinner for at-risk and homeless youth; walk in Dec. 25, 2008. Contact: (206) 622-5555

Christmas Food
Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services
21415 Maple Valley Hwy, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Provides Christmas food baskets for residents of Tahoma School District, Maple Valley, Covington, Hobart, Ravensdale and Black Diamond; walk in to register Dec. 1-Dec 17, 2008.
Contact: (425) 432-8139

Resources obtain through:
http://www.resourcehouse.com/en/WA
Washington State Community Information Line 2-1-1

Message to all. Stop worrying yourselves sick over the Hoildays. This Holiday thing has gotten way out of hand. Too commercialized, Un focused, depressing and even nerve wrecking. Spoiled whining children.
We've forgotten what the real meaning of Christmas is! And look what happened to Easter, Valentines day, Is Mothers Day just for Mothers ? H-*# no! You're expected to get cards and gifts for Aunts , Sisters, teachers, you get what im saying. Its all about money money money.
Well most of us dont have any money anymore. So lets get back to the basics. Friends and family comming together to celebrate the birth of our LORD ! If you didnt get anything for valentines day then be thankful that you didnt have to buy anyone anything. Go to church on Easter. Nobody needs a chocolate rabbit! (they will be half price the day after anyway)
One more thing (and this might hurt) Stop feeling sorry for yourself if you have lost a loved one. Death is a part of life. Always has been, always will be. Every death brings forth a new life. Move forward. Let go of the past. Its not what has happened to you that governs your life. It's how you deal with it.

Christmas is getting closer I am the mother of seven five are under 18 and I have two granbabies at home need real help with holidays this year.Many blessings