“Talk to the family in person or give them a call to tell them why you can’t afford Christmas”. After all the idea is to manage expectations as much as possible, so tell them that due to your financial situation this year, you just can’t participate in the holiday tradition of gift-giving or …
It is the time to join a Christmas party like the one of Linda and Andy, with other people that are in a difficult financial situation and feeling the joy of Christmas for everyone.
Unfortunately, there are many people who cannot afford to give their children a proper Christmas celebration.
says Linda Thunshelle, who is behind the project “Juleglede”
Three days of Christmas celebration
Around 45 children and adults are invited to a small Christmas holiday at Kleivstua hotel, with accommodation, Christmas dinner, a walk around the Christmas tree, entertainment and gifts for all guests.
Unfortunately, there is not capacity to take everyone who applies. To Join you have to apply. The application deadline was the 11th of December and can be anonymous. You can apply here: https://juleglede2022.mailerpage.io
We prioritize families with children and single people, who have no one to celebrate with, and who are from Hole and Ringerike in Norway. The bad thing about this is that we can’t say yes to everyone.
Linda Thunshelle points out
What to do if you can’t afford Christmas presents?
There are some things to do If You can’t afford Christmas gifts this year like don’t be ashamed to let others know. … Offer your time. … Help the less fortunate. … Have an honest talk with your children. … Keep your eyes open for freebies and free events like the Juleglede … Get rid of items you no longer use to get the cash you need.
Photo: Ingvild Drange Tronhus
In Juleglede there are gifts for everyone
Linda’s three children are also involved in the charity and are looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with other children.
After the applications have been reviewed, and the families who will participate have been notified, they will be told to submit a wish list.
Santa is coming and wants to bring presents for everyone.
Is it rude to not give Christmas gifts?
You don’t need another scented candle, and your kid definitely doesn’t need more Frozen crap. After all most people will be relieved that they don’t have to deal with the horrors of shopping during the craziest month of the year. For those who don’t have the means to match other people’s generosity can be tough. That’s why this year, keep things simple and just say thanks, but no thanks.
“It’s absolutely OK to politely tell your friends and family if you prefer that you or your children do not receive gifts for a certain occasion, for whatever your reasoning may be.”
Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette said.
Local business can help.
In Juleglede party local businesses and private donors help with food and snacks like the local grocers Save in Sundvollen, Kiwi and Rema 1000 in Vik and Røyse Bærpresseri.
Europris provides content for Christmas stockings, Brasseriet Fengselet, Menova and Saga accounting are some of the donors to the event. Additionally Blue Cross, Helping Hand and Red Cross Hole and Ringerike help to get it done.
Several of our employees here at Kleivstua volunteer on Christmas Eve.
says Andy Friedrichs
We think it’s absolutely fantastic that these local businesses and private donors are standing up. It will be a real Christmas Eve with pork chops and ribs.
says Andy and Linda
How do you deal with disappointment at Christmas?
To Avoid Disappointment in this Holiday Season identify your main thing, slow down, realize perfection is not possible, don’t push your expectations on to others, make room for rest, offer forgiveness quickly, remember memories are made in the mistakes and realize the meaning is in the giving, not the gift.
I think it’s touching that people want to use their Christmas to help others. At the same time, we are concerned that those who are volunteers should also have a pleasant Christmas celebration and low shoulders. Everyone should have time to sit down with a cup of coffee.
Thunshelle points out
She thinks it is brave of those who send in an application and put their shame aside to create a nice Christmas celebration for themselves and their loved ones.
Why spend Christmas with others?
When Christmas celebration does not make sense anymore than you need to find something bigger than you. Therefore if you love decorations, gifts, family, food, birth of Gesus but does it mean anything anymore than you have to try something new.
I know I am supposed to bring people together and make them feel important. Together we can do more and reach more. Your little part is important in the big picture.
Linda said
Leave a Reply