A Letter To The Mom Who Can’t Afford Christmas Gifts

Key Takeaways for When You Can’t Afford Christmas

• Hope: God sees your situation and provides in surprising ways (check out our list of proof!)

• Encouragement: Your kids will remember your presence more than presents.

• Truth: You can have a meaningful Christmas even when you can’t afford gifts.

• Action Step: Ask God to reshape your expectations and trust His provision.

• Reminder: Even when you can’t afford Christmas, God is still faithful.

A Letter To The Mom Who Can’t Afford Christmas Gifts

Sweet Momma,

I know we haven’t met, but you’ve been on my heart. Truly. I woke up praying for the mom who feels the weight of Christmas because she can’t afford Christmas this year and maybe that’s you.

Maybe you’re thinking the same thoughts many moms have shared with me or Googled late at night when you’re awake with worry:

“I can’t afford a present this year.”
“I can’t afford to buy Christmas gifts.”
“I can’t afford Christmas for my kids.”

I’ve felt those too.

Over the years with our five kiddos, we’ve lived through many different Christmas seasons… years of abundance and many years where the bills were stacked high and I simply could not afford Christmas gifts.

And friend, I learned something:

The circumstances change, but the aching mom-heart feels the same.

You love your kids deeply. You want to give them a Christmas they’ll remember. And when money is tight, it hurts.

But please hear me- you are NOT alone.

Below is what I’ve learned, what God has shown me, and what I want to gently pass on to you today…

What to Do When You Can’t Afford Christmas Gifts

You see, I know the feeling. You deeply want to give your kids an ideal Christmas…the same one everyone else seems to be having.

In the movies, in the commercials, in your life – all around you.

Please understand I am not minimizing the reason behind your struggle; I am addressing the heart and focusing on what you can do now.

Ultimately, Remember What Christmas Truly Is

The hardest thing I have had to learn was also the most simple. As believers, Christmas is totally, completely not about the gifts you give.

It’s easy to say, but much harder to realize. At least it was for me.

Christmas is about THE ULTIMATE GIFT. The birth of the Savior of the world. Mom, I promise you, if you share that with them this Christmas, there is nothing greater.

It will outlast any plastic toy – IT WILL have an eternal impact.

Once my heart was completely wrestled submitted to God in this, I was able to pray that He would open my eyes.

And looking back over the years, I am completely astounded at what I have seen!

How God Provided When We Couldn’t Afford Christmas

Looking back, I am still amazed.

His provision came through loved ones, friends, unexpected blessings, and even strangers. Not because we asked- but because God stirred hearts.

Here are just a few:

• His provision came through gifts of encouragement and time spent with loved ones.
• He provided money we didn’t have, for bills, meals, clothes, gas for travel, and presents — so many things over the years!
• The top item on every kid’s Christmas list was provided when I walked into a consignment shop with $7 for each child!
• He provided car repairs
• He provided a Surprise Shop With a Cop trip {Pictured Below in 2016 –  Thank you, Louisville Metro Police Foundation ❤️}
• God provided time off from work for Dad when we thought there would not be any!

He provided. 

He provided for us through people who didn’t even know our situation. We rarely asked for help. Honestly? My pride often resisted it. But God knew. And He moved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God Has Provided So Much More than the Christmas Gifts I couldn’t afford!

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  Ephesians 3:20

The Christmas That Changed Everything

I’ll never forget the year I was hospitalized for a week, pregnant with our fifth child. I nearly died. But by His amazing grace, we were both given -again- the gift of life. And I came home right before Christmas.

It was not a Hallmark moment.

• No finished shopping

• Half-done decorations

• No big meal planned

• No travel

• Very little money

But what we did have?

My husband who grabbed a pre-lit Charlie Brown tree. Our Kids who filled it with handmade ornaments. Simple food. A house full of gratitude. And a faith that grew in ways gifts never could compare. It became one of our best Christmases ever.

We have been abundantly blessed by incredible family, amazing friends, and even strangers who felt that God was leading them to give in some way or another. For that, we are eternally grateful!

When You Can’t Afford Christmas for Your Kids

If you’ve found yourself here this season, you might be wondering: “How do I tell my family I can’t afford Christmas?”

Mama, you tell them gently and simply. You don’t need long explanations. Most families understand more than you think.

Try something like: “We’re keeping Christmas simple this year. We want to focus on time together more than gifts.”

It’s honest, humble, and leaves room for God to move.

What if I really can’t afford Christmas gifts for my kids?

You give what matters most:

• Time together

• Traditions that cost nothing

• A warm home

• Prayer

• Stories

• Laughter

• The message of Jesus

And I promise you—kids remember the love, not the price tags.

What if I can’t afford a present this year at all?

Then you give presence instead of presents. It’s more powerful than we realize.

Encouragement for the Mom Who Can’t Afford Christmas

Mama, God sees you. He knows your heart, your desire to give, your fear of disappointing your kids.

You are not alone.

I am praying for you.

I know other Moms are too.

And you never know, your kids may grow up to be grateful for the times your Christmas was not Pinterest worthy (just like my kids did). So I have to ask you, will you let Him define what a “great Christmas” is this year? He promises you this: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

And when you surrender your expectations, He may surprise you with His abundant love again and again.

Overview of the Main Points

• You’re not alone if you can’t afford Christmas

• God provides through people, prayer, and unexpected blessings

• Kids remember love far more than gifts

• A simple Christmas can be a sacred Christmas

• Christmas is about Jesus—not presents

• Let God define what “great” looks like

• He will not leave you or forsake you

Related Posts on Christmas

• 5 Ways To Remember Your Loved Ones This Christmas

• How to Have a Christ-Centered Christmas

• Can’t Afford Christmas Gifts? Here’s How To Create Gifts for Under $10 Right Now

• Christmas Printable Planner Kit for the Overwhelmed Mom

• 20 Wonderful Gifts for the Creative Child: A Gift Guide

Do you want to hear the full story of my Christmas Miracle? Watch now below ⇓

Do you know someone who would be encouraged by this letter? Please share it on Facebook!

Or Pin this on Pinterest. Let’s spread hope this Christmas!

 

 

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