Sad - but heart warming....

[smudge]

Just listening to Radio 2 & a really nice lady said that her family were hit by the credit crunch last Christmas & they couldn't afford presents & all the trimmings, So - she packed up a picnic & they all went to the local park. When they arrived, there were other people there & they all ended up sharing their mince pies! They also went on the little train & all had lots of fun!

It hardly cost them anything, but it's a Christmas day they'll always remember....

It really brought tears to my eyes - does it yours?

[legendis.god]

Last christmas?

They must be in the gutter by now then if they were suffering a year ago befre it really started.



Sounds a nice story , i dont understand why folk cant do that at home tho and just be grateful and appreciative?

I guess that as we teach our kids they can have whatver they want from age 5 at xmas that ultimately the parents are to blame .

[joggerjayne]

Sitting on a rug in the park in December would bring tears to your eyes.

[legendis.god]

Among dog poo and chavs on their mini motos they got for xmas

brrrrrr brooooom zooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm




Cynic?

nah

[sn�gged]

Stuck in a room of p!ssed adults with indigestion moaning about the crap tv whilst surrounded by screaming over tired kids fighting over each other's presents... or sat in a freezing cold park with a limp mince pie... its a close run thing...

[Lakitu]

Awww, that's sweet, smudge.

[smudge]

As usual - from tears to laughter!

Seriously - they were talking about the 'current' credit crunch & the lady said that their financial problems started just before last Christmas, hence the picnic saga.

I don't think I'd be inclined to do the same, as I don't like being out in the cold for too long - apart from on walks - but thought it turned out really nice for them.

Yes leg & Jayne - the thought of sitting on a rug, with maybe the aroma of dog poo around does bring tears to your eyes.

Roaldo - I'm sure you'll have a wonderful Christmas togethere. There are, unfortunately, lots of people drawing their horns in this year, so let's hope things improve soon.....

[smudge]

You could be right there snagged!

Glad you agree Lakitu - I'm such a softy!

[LoftyLottie]

However you spend Christmas is it really necessary to spend loads of money? What is wrong with just spending time with your family in your own home and relaxing. There really is no need to spend loads on presents, decorations food and drink. If kids expect loads of expensive presents then parents only have themselves to blame.

I see people (particularly mums) rushing around exhausting themselves trying to get Christmas perfect for everybody - even the house has to have a clean right through and look perfect. People are so influenced by the media.

In my view Christmas should be spent with people you love just chilling out and having a well deserved break from all of life's pressures.

Must say though, that, looking out at the weather, I wouldn't really fancy a picnic in the park.

[smudge]

I agree Lottie - far too much pressure (due to advertising, etc.,), is put onto parents these days, but it's up to them to tell their children that not all parents can afford it & that expensive presents don't necessarily make for a 'better' Christmas!

I'm only too glad that our daughters, now our grandchildren have always been very grateful for whatever they've received -chosen from their gift idea lists. (I like lists, rather than unwanted, useless presents).

We'll all have a great time, no matter what's inside all that glossy paper!

[LoftyLottie]

Unfortunately, it often seems that those that can least afford it are those that spend, spend, spend.

[LoftyLottie]

When my son was very small, after the Christmas holidays the class teacher asked them all what their favourite Christmas gift had been. My son apparently said his was a set of padlocks. These had cost me about 90p in Woolworth and were bought as a stocking filler!!! So much for expensive presents ;o)

[smudge]

Ah, that's so sweet Lottie - have shared experiences similar to that with our girls too!

It makes me laugh when people buy 'babies' lots of toys, when all they want to play with is the wrapping paper!

[smudge]

I've just read thro' some of the comical answers on here & have to admit to giving way to laughing - even tho' it's a sad story. ;o}