Help no time almost no money where is the hohoho

[ladyhope]

Ok I must need a reality check. I am a stay at home mom and I am SO STRESSED and short on time this holiday season. I am struggling to keep my frugal lifestyle going with so little time these days to make from scratch and do other money saving things. Then when the checkbook looks at least even like today we walk out of target with 90 dollars in stuff! I want to be able to buy those premade items at the grocery store when time is tight but it is not affordable for us! I guess all I can try and change is my attitude. Maybe tomorrow will be calmer.

[vanderson]

Just read your post! I've "been there, done that." Holidays can be super stressful and eat up your time and money. I know it sounds corny-but look at where your time is going. Are you doing things you need to say no to? If not try to enjoy the time you have. While racing around in the car w/the kids sing Christmas songs, talk about what they love best about Christmas, talk about what the true meaning of Christmas is. Also-I know it's easy to overspend (I'm guilty as charged) but younger kids truly remember the family times and what you did and who was there more than the gifts. If your kids are old enough to have "wish lists" then they are old enough to understand what you can or can't afford. Try it and you'll be surprized! I've been a single mom w/ no job yet my grown kids don't ever remember a "deprived" Christmas. Hope this helps!

[bbouma]

I understand where you are coming from completely. I just had a baby this year (my first), and it seems that I can't get anything done anymore around our house anymore. Cooking seems to be such a chore because my husband comes home tired from working all day, and I'm tired from watching the baby. Cooking is just the last thing that I want to do. I would suggest that you use your crockpot to make meals. Someone on here posted the best recipe for Mexican chicken in a crockpot, and I put all of the ingredients in, along with the chicken still frozen, and I added some rice. I tell you that not only did that last a few days, but it was stress-free because all I had to do was throw it in the crockpot and leave it! Maybe you could do some meals like that and just make enough for a few days? Also, take some time... even just a few minutes... for yourself to remind you about the true meaning of the holidays because after all you do all year long, I know that you deserve it! Happy Holidays!

[ladyhope]

Oh my God that was my recipe I put in for mexican chicken! Well I am doing much better and thank you for caring. Things are still stressed but that was a particularly bad day.