help this chrismas is going to be sad

isitenough

LOL! Yep that's true, you have to be careful! But if you win, even small things you really need, it can make the world of difference. There are plenty of game competitions. I've entered a few tonight for Xbox games so if I win they are yours.

Re: Xmas lunch. I know it's not festive, but how about the Chicken/Beef/Turkey ready meals you can buy (Birds Eye I think or shops own brand) Once served on a plate you'd never know! Cheaper than buying all the trimmings and cooking and can be done in a microwave (if you can get one).

Cherry1

Oh yes, don't forget the library, most have games for rent these days too as well as dvd's. - maybe for after Christmas when you want a bit of variety with spending.

CT19720

Hi Hob,

I've been reading your thread, and think that what you are doing for your brother is amazing, and want to wish you the best of luck with getting all the benefits that you are entitled too.

As others have said, Christmas is what you make it, and I am sure you and your brother will have a wonderful time. Don't worry about what you cook on the day, it will all come together whatever you decide.

I have boxes of Christmas cards that I have bought over the years, and will never use them all. Let me know if you would like some, and how many and PM me your address and I will get something sent up to you. What kind of books, if any would your brother be into. Again, i have loads here which have hardly been touched by my 2 kids, that I would be more than happy to send you if I had any that were suitable. I know lots of us would like to help you out if we can.

I will keep reading this thread as you are so inspiring for someone so young.

Take care

xx

hob

i had to log back on as i forgot to send mary her pm back SORRY!!! i am megga sorry ,i feel extra guilty as she was saying such nice things and i was watching tv. (true blood)
isitenough- i hadnt thought about comps but i do have a little bit of time i could do that with. another exuse not to do house work! lol i have also started loging on to freebies stocking fillers! well kinda at least its something to hand over. and for xmas dinner lunch whatever i might end up doing that. i dont think its the best thing ever but hes gonna have to realise ill do my best, but sometimes i cant do things. hard tho coz i hate seeing any one cry but hes particaly upseting to see.
elsien- ' anti-social computer-addicted recluse' i am any way. if it were not for the internet i wouldnt know other humans existed sometimes lol.
CT19720- thats really sweet but i dont think we will be sending many cards out this year. what with the family not talking and all.(other wise i would need lots we come from a BIG family lol) and the cards im so desprate to send out to you lot again pls pm your address or emails so i can send you at least a e-card.craig can read he likes books , it might be better to read to him as hes getting in to some harder books its a good job we both like fantasy but if there is a star wars book out there im done for!! but again i couldnt ask that of you . your all being so kind but im not beging ur doing the world of good by just giving me someone to talk to and all the tips of things i would never of thought of. you guys are so inspiring to me. hes my brother and he would do this for me if it was the other way around. he cant help how he is and i have to look after him. you guys dont even know me and ur all being so nice. sometimes the world sucks u think people dont care about anyone but themself and then i meet you lot. honestly im so thankfull of all the ofers of help and kind words. you have no idea how much it has all met to me.

allmost forgot sorry cherry i am a member of the library but i havent noticed any games i will have to have a look.i havent been hear long and i have only been once or twice. i think they do dvds witch would be nice if i could get him to turn the computer off lol. (some of the games are quite good to watch....)

hob

im having a bad day to day, so thought id come posin my thread. i went to wilkso today to try and get some ideas for christmas. i havent really thought much about christmas from my point of view. i keep thinking if i can make it ok for him it will be ok for me. any way i had to leave the shop i was almost in tears. i think its all to much. has any one got a fast forward button to jan? christmas i ment to be a nice thing. i know there are lots of ppl who are gonna have a bad christmas this year so i feel guilty about moaning. there are much bigger problmes in the world, but i cant seem to get happy today. i dont think i can do it.

thread officaly killed

mary-op

hob - don't worry - we all have bad days now and then. You'll be fine over Christmas...........its only one day really (two if you count Boxing Day) so look on it as a weekend...........you'd survive that wouldn't you. Christmas is just the same with a few decorations about.........and don't beat yourself up about it.
You'll have a great time just knowing your brother is happy will do it for you.
Now............take deep breath..........make cup of coffee, feet up and relax (even if its only for 5 minutes)
Bless you x:A

NualaBuala

Big hugs hob - I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by it all. But you'll get through this and you'll be able to look back and be so proud of yourself for what you've achieved. I bet you and Craig will have a lovely Christmas.

It's funny, my parents were pretty extravagant at Christmas (frugal the rest of the year) and Santa brought everything we asked for and more. And what we loved most were all the small stocking fillers (probably from the pound shop) that we hadn't asked for. They were so much fun and we loved the surprise. Our happiness was nothing to do with the amount spent - it was the fun and excitement of the day - tearing off wrapping paper, Christmas music, films on TV, lovely food, playing games, wearing silly paper hats. And it's still that way for me - the amount spent is nothing to do with how nice a day I'll have.

What's worrying you the most? We're here to help!

angie_baby

exactly what the other posters have said - and go and get yourself some sweets if you have a spare £1.

Loads of hugs to you hob - you have taken on a huge responsiblity - it would be overwhelming for most people.

You can and are doing it already.

laurel7172

I'm not surprised you feel overwhelmed-what you've taken on would be huge even with the support of your family.

When I feel overwhelmed I try to manage it by doing just one small thing. Only one. Then I chalk that up as a step closer to getting there. I get the feeling you're trying to solve everything at once-slow down. You're doing great, you really are. Read back this thread and see how impressed we all are

Other people have given you wise advice about benefits. Your brother does need to contribute to household expenses, especially if your goal for him is independent living. You'd be doing him no favours by teaching him that he can spend his rent money on X box games.

You say you can't cook...don't worry, it isn't that hard. Just take your time and don't panic if something goes wrong. It happens to us all! Borrow books from friends/the library, or get a friend to show you how to make something you like. It's something else you can do with your brother-if he can cook some simple meals then he has achieved another step towards independence. And it will save you money too.

Christmas dinner-if you have managed to get an oven-cook two chicken portions for the time on the packet, do some frozen roast potatoes, frozen readymade Yorkshire puddings and some veg. Stuffing-make up according to packet instructions, gravy likewise. Bomb-proof, and (whisper it) the frozen stuff is actually rather nice. You'll probably eat better than many people who have been doing it the hard way since 5am...If you like Christmas pudding then it microwaves really, really fast (look at the label), so if you have a microwave that's dead easy. If not, buy two little puddings so they'll warm up faster in the pan. But don't worry about ditching things that are too much trouble. This is YOUR Christmas and YOUR traditions. Here, we've ditched Christmas pudding, because it was more of a duty than a pleasure anyway. And if you'd rather have trifle or mince pies or a DVD with an open box of chocolates, you aren't letting anyone down...

Look after yourself X

NualaBuala

Just thought of something else - I think you said you like jelly sweets? Well sweets, choc and crisps are my downfall. I've never smoked, don't really drink any more so I suppose I have to have my little vice I love chewy jellies and Tesco Value have midget gems for 35c (so they can't be much in pence) and they are yummy. Anyway, it's Friday so treat yourself to something nice no matter what it is!