Preparing for Christmas when there is no money for gifts

I got a pretty heartbreaking note from a reader. I am not going to go into the details because it was so deeply personal, but she was scared, tired, and overwhelmed. There is simply no money for gifts this year. 

And in her message, it was clear that this woman was trying to create a special Christmas for her family and friends in spite of her situation. 

I went to my YouTube community and asked what advice they could give her. The ideas were brilliant, but that doesn't surprise me. The women who watch my videos are just a great group of people. 

Focus on the atmosphere

You might not have a lot of money to spend on gifts this year for your kids. Focus instead on the atmosphere. Put on music and light some candles. Pick out a Christmas movie to watch. Bake something with your family.

Eat dinner by candlelight and read from the Christmas story in Luke every night, or read a chapter from a Christmas book from the library.

Have extra family fun

Go drive around and look at lights. Commit to extra game nights. Focus on simple things you can do.

Use what you have.

If you're like me you have a TON of free samples and empty baskets lying around. Put together a little gift basket. Or fill a mason jar with beauty products from your stash and make little gifts for your mom, your kid's teachers, or friends. 

Give the gift of reading. 

If you have a novel you love give it to a friend and include a nice note telling the person why you wanted them to have your copy. 

Make a photo album. 

If you have photos of the two of you together, or you have photos of their family make them a nice photo album. You probably already have an album in your home. 

Upcycle a picture frame. 

I did this last year and they turned out so cute. I just glued some buttons to a frame and that was it. And this 5 minute upcycled frame is great too. 

Give things new life. 

Last year I made these button bobby pins. They turned out so cute and would make a sweet gift for a daughter, niece or friend. 

Bake something. 

If you already have cake mix, bread mix or flour and basic baking supplies make some muffins, breads for cookies. I love baked goods and they don't clutter up my house!

Be honest with people. 

I know it's hard. But be honest with people about your situation. You could say something like "our family isn't doing gifts this year. How about instead we all get together, bake cookies and watch "White Christmas." 

Bottom line: Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the celebration of grace and mercy and the purest love imaginable. It is not a time to stress out. 

Do you want the people you love to stress out because of your birthday? No. 

So. What do you think? What are your suggestions for $0 Christmas gifts?