in need of a miracle need sum ideas? in michigan?

I feel for you - I'm in the same boat this year. Things are really tough financially for a lot of people I know. I'm sorry it's tough. Some ideas for great gifts might include home made coupons for things you can do for one another, a gift of the month club (either something you can order to be sent to them which doesn't require cash now like a magazine subscription or even knowing their hobbies and give them a home made certificate for something new to do with the hobby each month - like if your younger children are into legos - a coupon for one new lego toy each month of the year, offer them coupons for things like sleepovers with four or five friends one month, miniature golf the next month, etc). For my grandson (2 months) this year, I'm crocheting him an afghan. Also - you could do some special things together as a family - caroling, baking, volunteering (serve lunch at a soup kitchen). Hope that you have a blessed Christmas!

Unless it's a "secret" that times are tough, I'm sure everyone will understand if you give them certificates that can be redeemed for particular gifts you think they would enjoy later on, when you can afford to get them! (Print tem up nice & you could even laminate them at Kinkos for next-to-nothing.)

I know it feels awful just now, but actually this is the best time of year to get laid off if it has to happen. Most businesses do most of their hiring in the Spring. Have hubby spend this month working real hard on a resume that will get him the job he wants, not just "the next job he can get"...

Best Wishes, and remember, this could be the best Christmas you ever had; no-one will be disappointe they got the blue sweater instead of the green one, you'll all just have to be grateful you have each other. And that's really all any of us have!

P.S. Miracles don't happen, and neither does "good luck"; people believe in these things because some folks are better than others at seizing opportunities that are all around us all the time.

Mostly ALL great answers. Yes the kids will feel a bit left out. That IS sad. There must be a church that adopts a family or two? To bad you couldn't plan this post a few weeks ago when more help was available,

You will do fine though, YOUR the MOM, and you will either make or break the holiday with YOUR attitude. We moms have the hardest job. Smile, Smile ,SMILE...

Be together as a family. Make a gingerbread house, decorate cookies, make an ornament or decoration. Volunteer together. Make an arrangement where you all make gifts for each other, or give coupons (babysitting coupon, yard work, cleaning etc.) You could do white elephant gifts - used items or something you already own that another member will have better use of.

Try this. Give everyone paper and pencil or pen. Each person writes down something they like about each other person, a special memory of the past year with each person, something funny they remember about each person. Then everyone share. You can share warm fuzzies and laughter. What better gift than to know how important and special you are to your family.

Games are usually fun family activities if you have some or check the internet for family type games you can adapt to what you have.

01; county trustees office

02; local church's

03; local angels clubs

04; make gifts for each other from what you have on hand and available , like in pioneer days.

05;local law enforcement agencys

06; a public appeal via newspaper and television for help !

07; mug a store santa

08; rob a toy store

09; collect on husbands life insurance policy

10; blackmail a local politician !

well looks like most of your kids r up in age . they should be buying you. and they need to know the real meaning of christmas. well next year try shop with a cop in sterling heights the age limit is newborn to 14 . well tell them u will celebrate christmas on jan 10, then u will get lots of items on sale . that why im becoming a witness . witness dont go through this . they kids know the real meaning of christmas

If you can have a nice dinner and some cheap gifts, or homemade gifts, go sledding just make sure it is fun. also buy yourself some condoms to help with the kid issue.

try http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/christmas