I love where Jill talks about staying within your particular parameters as far as celebration and gift buying. SO true. I remember my maternal G-ma had very little money, so she'd make gifts (quilts....beautiful quilts!) for adults and buy each child 1 special gift. When I was a child I got things from her that I had never even thought about asking for (in other words, NOT the "IT" toy of the year)....like a set of classic books adapted for children....a jewelry box....earrings in a little pillbox seashell.....a Bible with our name engraved on it. THOSE were such thoughtful gifts and such a blessing! She STILL remembered her parameters and stayed within them, while giving thoughtfully. Good point!
To me the most precious gift to receive is to know I am cared about & loved by another person. Thank you for opening my eyes to gift giving & reminding me to give with a cheerful heart. I love you all! Hugs, Becky
Jill, what a beautiful and touching story. You are a very talented writer. Thanks for all the tips. Thank you, too, Mike and Tawra. Blessings to you all.......................
When I was back in my country Christmas was so exciting when I was little like I mean really exciting...... Not because I would expect a great big gift but because I knew my mom couldnt give us a lot but whatever she gave us it was with a lot of love!! sometimes we would get a little bag with some candy an apple, peanuts and a tangerine. It was just something I can't explain I haven't felt it in years. Now I live here in the states I told my kids I want them to learn that given feels so much better than getting. This year I would love to adopt a family from back home that would be such a wonderful thing just because I know the feeling when you don't have anything.Really appreciated this video thank you!!
Jill, have missed listening to you as I have moved home and didn't have the internet - I'm now catching up........love the name 'Mama Jill' - you are so wise. I enjoy listening to you so much.
what a wonderful story and I too feel such joy in giving and wished that others just gave from their heart. Not their wallets. I don't care how much it costs or if its homemade. I cherish the knowledge of knowing that person for even a moment, thought of me. God Bless you all
Along the lines of the librarian with the snowman earrings and candy canes.....I remember the lady at church who used to make wassail to serve at our Christmas play practices....not Kol Aid....not pop....not instant tea...but wassail that she took the time to prepare for us. I remember her husband, too who used to shell black walnuts and share with my Mom for her Christmas candies. Those walnuts stood for his time, effort, and love.
THANK YOU! I really hate those "Christmas letters" so many people are into. I don't read them, file 13. They are so impersonal! And thank you for putting out there what giving is REALLY about! I have tried for years to explain to a particular cousin of mine the difference between giving from the heart and giving from obligation. There is a huge difference!
I think the best Christmas we have had in recent years was the Christmas my friends and I made Christmas fir a family that had been homeless for a year and just got low income housing, They had nothing. The kids were Coatless and winter was approaching, . The mom was going to school and the dad worked part time at the 7-11. We had sooo much fun!
I could listen to you literally all day long, Jill...your wisdom, witt and experience need to be shared...so many need this! You look lovely today by the way, despite your lack of sleep : )
Thanks Pamela. I felt like something the cat drug in. Not sure what happened but I had had only a couple of hours of sleep for 2 nights. It was a little rough. Can't wait for the time change to get a little extra sleep. :)
Ex teacher here and yeah, I woulda loved thank you notes or kind letters from the parents through out the year. I didn't need or expect any gifts or anything but I appreciated them if I got them. I had some parents who were really awesome make me handmade stuff and that was the most special. A lot of my kids (I did pre K) made me cards and that was the best. Those by far were the highlight of the holidays for me. Though one of my parents making homemade truffles sure did come as a close first too, not gonna lie! = D Me, my husband and adopted brother (best friend we adopted as family) have a household rule for gifts. They are not expected so if you decide to it better be because you want to. We leave the holidays for spending time together, showing we love each other and overall having fun. I usually give my hubby a sappy card or something. I also usually make him something he likes. He usually does something ultra sweet for me. For us its more about the thought than the cash spent and it feels special! Awesome video, thanks!
Frankly, I don't have the energy to do Christmas. CFS and fibro and husband with Parkinson's disease. I do celebrate the joy that Christ brings with a thankful heart and kindness toward people.❤️
I call my Mother in law "Mama Barb" so when I started hearing Tawra, talking about you, she would address you as Mom & I didn't want to address you as Mom, so I started calling you "Mama Jill" 😊 I'm glad you don't mind, at least I hope not, & I've noticed others call you that now too. By the way, thanks for another wonderful video! I very much enjoy every story you tell ❤ You are very Inspirational, as well as the whole family! I've learned so much from each of you. You raised a wonderful daughter who gets to share all her wisdom with all of us! Thank You! P.s. I still think you should preach sermons, you make me think every time you speak & it's always with such love & kindness ❤
That is funny Miss Ghost. I don't mind at all being called that at all. I know almost everyone does now. That was a good idea of what to call your mother in law. I wish I had known that. I never quite knew what to call my mother in law. Mom didn't seem quite right an calling her by her first name didn't seem right either so I was always stumped. By the time the kids came along I was able to call her grandma so that helped. It is funny you think I should preach sermons because my kids think I preach sermons at them all the time. :) :) I have to I'm a mom. :) :)
I'm glad you don't mind 😉 and yes I felt the exact same way... I didn't know what to call my Mother in law, even tho our family is all very close, it felt kind of weird to call her Mom. Until her birthday several years ago, I addressed her as Mama Barb in her birthday card & she loved it! So ever since then, that's what I call her. In regards to your "sermons" 😉 I just feel spiritually engaged when you speak... I was raised in a Lutheran Church, but as I got older I didn't agree with their teachings so I stopped attending. As I learn & grow as an adult, I have gathered my own beliefs & spiritually along the way. And now, every time I hear your story, it touches my heart ❤ I think that's why so many of us subscribers get so excited when we see your next installment posted - We don't only enjoy You, Tawra & Mike, but we love your stories & the moral of the story as well. It's something we relate to & learn from. So again, I thank you 😊 Ok this is a long comment lol! Take care & as always I look forward to your next story!
Jill love your stories... I can relate... one year I didn't have hardly any money at all, so I taught myself to crochet and made everyone a crochet hat and made some homemade cookies and fudge. This is when my dad was still alive and he said "sis that means more to me than anything store bought cause I know you took the time to make it and it was made with love". People need to realize....gifts don't have to be expensive. I usually make everyone homemade goodies and most of them now look forward to it and say they enjoy it more than a store bought gift. It's the purpose and reason behind what you do... not the gift that means more to the people than anything.... just people need to remember that.
Great ideas! Oh how true about the letters! You should not be feeling depressed or envious after reading someone's Christmas letter. But, when they make everything sound so perfect and because their whole family is super high achievers and now they are living the good life....and your family is just normal....it can make you feel kind of sad. This should not be!
mama Jill Amen very well said. I totally agree..I loved the story it is very true..am glad I watched this video because this yr am giving gifts but cutting back in expensive. but making lovely memories. can't wait for your next video thxs for sharing
Jill- I am completely enjoying all your stories and great wisdom that you share!! You're doing a great job!! Wondering if you can tell everyone what you buy at the grocery store for yourself, and your tips to stretch your food dollars. I also shop at Aldis for most things I buy. Thanks and many blessings!! Barb
Oddly enough, only two gifts get the biggest praise-cookie/fudge baskets(buy the baskets from goodwill), and...weird as it sounds....a toiletries basket. I received the most praise the year I did that- a lot of people I knew were financially strapped that year(as was I), and ended up spending money on gifts but would skip their utility bills,etc. to compensate. I was an extreme couponer and got everything for pennies-toilet paper, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, deodorant, etc. but to them, it meant at least a month where they didn't have one more thing to worry about(personal products)! Plus, who doesn't need these things? You can even customize it by sensitivities, personal convictions(organic,etc.), etc. if you find coupons for it!
And I agree with Mama Jill 100% about,well, everything. She hit the nail on the head when mentioning the passage of Ester and God's nature in reference to presents/gifts. God prepared his people for years for the best gift of all-we should be preparing ourselves the same way(over the course of the year). Not thinking of ourselves but OTHERS and CHRIST in preparation for Christmas. Loved this! Can't wait to see the next episode! Blessings to you and yours!
I totally agree. However, the way I handled some of the obligations in the past when I felt that I had to give something with neighbors, mailman, etc. was to give a Christmas card or just use plain writing paper and envelopes and wish the person Merry Christmas and say that I appreciate them as a neighbor or mailman or whatever. At least I avoided some of the negativity I had gotten before with not giving. Granted most didn't want just a note saying Merry Christmas but at least they couldn't say they didn't get an acknowledgement.
Thank you for that great story you wrote Jill! You truly have a gift for writing; i bet you could get that story published! So many great tips from each of you:-)) Could we please have the mailing addresses for each of you so that we could send Christmas cards? I needed this video to keep my head on straight with spending and perhaps making gifts. Many Blessings:-))
That is so sweet of you. If you need to send anything to us you can send it to Living on a Dime PO Box 193, Mead, CO 80542 We both will get our stuff from there.
Last year was our first year playing Dirty Santa each person brings a wrapped $20 gift and you draw a number and you can pick a Gift or steal. We had so much fun with it.
Like when Christmas time comes around people don't pay their bills because they need the money for gifts. People, Christmas comes every year and you have 12 months to buy or make gifts not just one.
We have a family member who "never has money to buy gifts because she's on a fixed income". YET...she has beautiful clothes, new shoes every season, etc. and she only ever considers buying name brand things. I had to replace my washer a few years ago and she asked me what brand I got. I told her and she said, "Oh, I got a Whirlpool...."they" said it's top of the line!" Well....we bought the best value we could within our budget, which happened to be a brand that was bought by Whirlpool. I get tired of her excuses. I make lots of NICE handmade gifts and I barely get a mumbled 'thanks' from her (she usually tells my husband to tell me). Guess my gifts are not 'top of the line'. lol I love this video and, since I am going through a financial low right now, this hit home. I do lots of things like roast coffee beans, make candies and cookies, candles, herbal teas--to name a few things. These gifts are not only physical gifts...but gifts of time, work, and thought....with lots of love. I'm always so excited to give and it hurts when I can tell it's sloughed off as 'nothing'. Great story....great video...great family...thanks for the videos!
We are trying to do less and less every year, I read the book Hundred Dollar Holiday and it really opened my eyes. Id rather here more stories of Jills life than any talk of Christmas Stuff.
A bit off topic here: I do the same thing at stores when they ask for my Zip Code or telephone number, with not the least expectation that I 'won't' give it to them! I say: No. Thanks. ...and smile. If they come back with: "But I have to put something in here before the computer will let me go further." HA! I tell them: "Put 'your's' in that spot." Or, I also use a 'dummy' phone number...one that NObody would ever have! (that one tickles me because not 'once' has any clerk refused to put it in). lol
I love your videos. I feel like I'm visiting with family. Great advice and I loved the story. I love thanksgiving and host it, but I go all out at Christmas. My tree is already up, because I decorate every room. Celebrating the birth of Christ warms my heart.💗
I think we should celebrate Christmas. Too many people get hung up over gift buying and go into debt and have lost the true meaning of Christmas. How about if we gave the gift of our time to who needs it. Or our help run errands for somebody who cant get out and do it. Sharing of ourselves with someone who needs it. Maybe Sharing our Christmas dinner with someone who wont have one . I think those are the best gifts we could give. Not a store bought gift to give to someone who has all that they want and need already. Teachers, mailperson, the guy collecting garbage ect.........they get a gift its called a called a paycheck.
Thank you for all you share with us, Jill. I really appreciate your sweet spirit -- even when your daughter and son-in-law raz you! LOL I know they must love you a lot or they wouldn't kid you so much. I love watching the Living on a Dime videos and reading your blog. God bless!
the people you love don't care how much you spent on their gifts. I spend anything from £1 - £30. I always ask everyone what they NEED and I'll get it. I just give to family and friends children. even if it's a box of chocolates from £1 store. they don't care. it's the fact you thought of them :) x thank you for a wonderful story x
very good info - I had to practice saying "no" in front of a mirror so that when I was asked to do something the first word out of my mouth was no. I later came up with "thank you for thinking of me but I am not able to help you at this time" I learned NOT to elaborate on why I could not help out, if you offer an excuse why you cannot help you will find yourself having to defend your position but if you just keep repeating your "line" with no explanation you will be left alone.
This one food store I go to that is close has so many people doing fundraisers. They see me walking out with a full back pack and ask me. One time I asked the guy you want to buy me a car. I said this because he always sees me walking and has also seen me with my four kids. When I give to someone I do it because I want to.
Christmas today is so, so different from when I was a kid. True, electronics didn't exist, but yet despite the fact that my parents barely took home $100 a week between the 2 of them, we always had a nice Christmas. The gifts were NOT expensive in the sense of the word expensive. My sister and I usually got a doll each and about 5 or 6 board games to share . . . and we were happy! When we got older, we received 1 maybe 2 clothing items. My mother would save a few dollars each week so that she could have something under the tree and a good meal on the table. Today, toys run $20 to hundreds of dollars and children want them all, not 2 or 3, but 7 or 8 presents. It has a become a "GIVE ME" society and "I hate you if I don't get it". I see it with my own niece, 29. Her parents gave her everything even supporting her until she married a year and a half ago and now she's still begging her parents to pay her bills (rather than working as a team with her husband to pay their bills) and being verbally abusive when her mother tells her she can't do it any more (and she can't). She feels her mother "owes" her.Retailers/marketers have done their jobs well. They have convinced a good number of us that you MUST have this or your MUST have that or you are a bad parent or an outcast. And weeks before, tv ads push the need for computers, stainless steel appliances, new furniture to impress family when they visit, and expensive clothing and toys for kids. What a traumatic experience it is when you do find yourself in the position of not being able to afford Christmas to the degree that you did in the past. If you're a young family don't start out spending hundreds or thousands of dollars for Christmas. Take away the emphasis of expensive gifts or a huge quantity of gifts right from the start. Build your Christmases around traditions, the family meal (even this need not be super expensive), and giving to others who are not as fortunate and of course, love. Don't put yourself in the position of feeling you have to camp out for a week in front of a store to get modified, cheaply made electronics for $100 each on Black Friday or go into serious debt. Take away the emphasis on receiving expensive items that a few weeks later will end up being unused or broken.Don't be afraid to tell family that things are tight this year and you're concentrating on only your kids this year. Things happen . . . you find yourself a single parent, one of you and in some cases both of you have lost your job and taken a serious cut in pay. Sit down and determine what you can and cannot do and stick to your guns.
Very true Jill! We love your sage advise! Thank you for reminding us. I also love the fact that I can feel better in saying screw it to gifting all these extraneous people around the holidays now! The doorman for my building makes out like a bandit every year and all the guy does is open the door. Sorry but I hate the idea of tipping all these people like the mailman, doorman, dry cleaner, housekeeping staff for my condo building (who just clean the common area) ETC. The list gets bigger every year and I have to wonder why those people are considered more special than others that don't even get tips for doing their job. My building management sends out a list of people who work around our building and provides recommended yearly tip amounts. They are suggesting hundreds of dollars per household to these people for doing their regular job for which they are being paid handsomely to do in the first place. compound that by hundreds of units and they double their yearly salary just on the Christmas tips. It really makes me mad because I know I never received a single "tip" in my life for doing my job. I'm just not going to participate in this tradition anymore. Especially since they don't want anybody to mention the word Christmas or make it at all about religion because of fear of offending somebody of another religion. If that is how it is now than this idea of Christmas tipping is outdated too and everybody should just worry about celebrating their own religious holidays and just provide gifts for their own family and loved ones.
Blanca W I know what you mean, you are tired of the commercialization of Christmas. They don't even sound like they want a Christmas gift, they want a tip, or extra money. You could do cookies or something and if that's not good enough, to bad, you should give because you want to, not because you feel obligated. A list of tip amounts is outrageous as far as I'm concerned, especially if you couple it with instructions to keep religion out of it, (it's a religious holiday after all). It's insulting to your faith to tell you to keep your religion out of it. It seems that people feel they can insult (just the Christian faith).
Big problem with this advice- Girl scout cookies are amazing LOL they are a must each year. We do plan out how many of each kind & who we're buying them from so that goes along that advice.
Thankfully we don't do all the Christmas tree, gift stuff. December 25th which falls on a Sunday this year, we plan on going to a movie and then skiing, since we do experiences that are fun and affordable. And sure do not need more 'stuff'. And come the New Year there are NO credit card bills, or needless 'stuff' that ends up being donated to the thrift store. My relatives always gave a gift card to the doorman, cleaning lady, hairdresser in NYC, because if you can afford those services, it's expected. By the way I see Jill likes Mary Engelbriet......
I do like her stuff Beth. Love the colors she uses. I have black and white polka dots and checks in my kitchen with pops of bright colors and cherry things so her stuff fits in. Most of my stuff from her are really good thrift store finds. The tea pot was a dollar.
Thanks for your advice! Love y'all's video. Just wondering what state and location (rural or suburban )? I literally laughed out loud at the cookies for neighbors comment. :)
I could listen to them for hours, I always laugh & learn something new 😉 By the way, they live In Colorado, Rural Suburbs, I probably should let her answer this, but in my observations, Tawra has stated a few times they have to drive quite a ways to get to town, but they do have neighbors that live close by, not like in the middle of no where, so I'd say Rural Suburbs 😉
Tawra is in Colorado and is in pretty much a suburb. I live in Kansas right downtown in Wichita. We have both lived in rural and in cities and in many different states and areas.
Jill, (plus the-other-people.com), When folks 'expect' me to contribute to people, and charities not in my list, I am confident enough to say: "No, thank you." ....with a smile, and ABSOLUTELY NO EXPLANATIONS! Simply, "No, thank you." Same thing when I worked, unless it was a personal FRIEND....not every co-worker I ever had! As for the mailman, trash collectors, doctors, nurses, ETC.....THEY GET PAID TO BE NICE TO ME. I do try to be nice to everyone of them...all year long. : )
Thank you for the scripture reference in Esther. What a good reminder from Gods word that it's ok to celebrate and to be thankful for all our blessings. I dread all the disputes about Merry Christmas or putting the nativity scene on public property. I always want to just say if you want to see a nativity put one in your yard and leave it there all year, don't try to petition congress. LOL
That would be great Linda. I hope they enjoy it. Didn't know if you need the link for that or not but here it is in case you do. www.livingonadime.com/store/
Obligatory gifts generally cause Resentment later on. That Resentment festers. Not a happy time and wouldnt represent the loving feelings that our Lord wants us to have for our fellow man.
Jill -- I'd love to hear a discussion about tipping. You mentioned tipping your hairdresser ..... if he/she is charging for their services, why do we tip above?
You know Andrea I have questioned that so often myself. The history of tipping is hair raising. At one point people tipped to others who were considered inferior to them. That would go over like a lead balloon now. It started in America after the very rich started going to Europe and came home and wanted to flaunt their money. That is just the beginning of it all.
Jill Cooper since we've moved to England I've only tipped at restaurants -- 10% tops -- but our VAT, similar to sales tax, is 20%. Personally, I believe that a retailer or service provider is the person who should be expressing gratitude to customers...not the other way around.
Good point. I am not positive but I think people in England and Europe think Americans have gone crazy with their tipping and I tend to agree with them.
girl scouts cookies are outrages and out of the $4 a box they only get like .50 cents so I give them cash and the taste of the cookies are just not that great for the amount you get and the cost.
That story was about you, wasn't it (Shame on you Tawra and Michael)..Lol...just kidding. * I was one of those kids (well 19) whos parents cancelled Christmas gift giving. My mother and sister-in- law got together and decided "no gifts". I was upset. In protest I didn't come home for Christmas, went and spent my college break in NYC with friends. It wasn't the gifts, it was that I was not part of making that decision.
Actually the story was about some people my son knew and he couldn't believe it when they said that because he knew they had spent and spent all year long.
What do I buy the men in my life. No, I can't afford a plane, car or boat, even in remote control form. Useful gifts would be a bonus. They aren't readers so that's out. (Son and son in law if that helps. My hubby was difficult to buy for too. )
I'm an atheist. We stopped celebrating all holidays except our birthdays and anniversary 15 years ago and have so much more money to spend on ourselves any time of the year.
Be sure to check out Jill's book Penny Pinching Mama: 500 Ways I Lived on $500 a Month here www.livingonadime.com/store/penny-pinching-mama/
I love where Jill talks about staying within your particular parameters as far as celebration and gift buying. SO true. I remember my maternal G-ma had very little money, so she'd make gifts (quilts....beautiful quilts!) for adults and buy each child 1 special gift. When I was a child I got things from her that I had never even thought about asking for (in other words, NOT the "IT" toy of the year)....like a set of classic books adapted for children....a jewelry box....earrings in a little pillbox seashell.....a Bible with our name engraved on it. THOSE were such thoughtful gifts and such a blessing! She STILL remembered her parameters and stayed within them, while giving thoughtfully. Good point!
It's just amazing how positive you guys stay despite stress, fatigue, and sickness. Thank you for donating your time to all your viewers:)
To me the most precious gift to receive is to know I am cared about & loved by another person.
Thank you for opening my eyes to gift giving & reminding me to give with a cheerful heart. I love you all! Hugs, Becky
Jill, what a beautiful and touching story. You are a very talented writer. Thanks for all the tips. Thank you, too, Mike and Tawra. Blessings to you all.......................
I loved the story so much! Thank you for the gift of the story. You helped me reset some ideas I've had for Christmas this year.
Our immediate family grew from 5 to 11 this year. I'm making ALL gifts this year! I've been crocheting, drawing and "soaping" all year!
When I was back in my country Christmas was so exciting when I was little like I mean really exciting...... Not because I would expect a great big gift but because I knew my mom couldnt give us a lot but whatever she gave us it was with a lot of love!! sometimes we would get a little bag with some candy an apple, peanuts and a tangerine. It was just something I can't explain I haven't felt it in years. Now I live here in the states I told my kids I want them to learn that given feels so much better than getting. This year I would love to adopt a family from back home that would be such a wonderful thing just because I know the feeling when you don't have anything.Really appreciated this video thank you!!
Jill, have missed listening to you as I have moved home and didn't have the internet - I'm now catching up........love the name 'Mama Jill' - you are so wise. I enjoy listening to you so much.
Hi Jill, Tawra and Mike ❤️ I love listening to your stores ❤️ I hope all 3 of you have a Blessed 🙏 Christmas 🎄 with your Family ❤️
Amen Jill. Christmas is for the spirit of giving.
I could listen to yall talk all year long. love it
what a wonderful story and I too feel such joy in giving and wished that others just gave from their heart. Not their wallets. I don't care how much it costs or if its homemade. I cherish the knowledge of knowing that person for even a moment, thought of me. God Bless you all
Along the lines of the librarian with the snowman earrings and candy canes.....I remember the lady at church who used to make wassail to serve at our Christmas play practices....not Kol Aid....not pop....not instant tea...but wassail that she took the time to prepare for us. I remember her husband, too who used to shell black walnuts and share with my Mom for her Christmas candies. Those walnuts stood for his time, effort, and love.
Wow, that just nails it on the head. Thanks for sharing.
I just love Momma Jill! Oh and you too Tawra and Mike! Lol!
THANK YOU! I really hate those "Christmas letters" so many people are into. I don't read them, file 13. They are so impersonal! And thank you for putting out there what giving is REALLY about! I have tried for years to explain to a particular cousin of mine the difference between giving from the heart and giving from obligation. There is a huge difference!
I think the best Christmas we have had in recent years was the Christmas my friends and I made Christmas fir a family that had been homeless for a year and just got low income housing, They had nothing. The kids were Coatless and winter was approaching, . The mom was going to school and the dad worked part time at the 7-11. We had sooo much fun!
I could listen to you literally all day long, Jill...your wisdom, witt and experience need to be shared...so many need this! You look lovely today by the way, despite your lack of sleep : )
Thanks Pamela. I felt like something the cat drug in. Not sure what happened but I had had only a couple of hours of sleep for 2 nights. It was a little rough. Can't wait for the time change to get a little extra sleep. :)
Amen! Thank you Father for sending your son for our Salvation.To be a light in this dark world for his mercy endures forever.
Ex teacher here and yeah, I woulda loved thank you notes or kind letters from the parents through out the year. I didn't need or expect any gifts or anything but I appreciated them if I got them. I had some parents who were really awesome make me handmade stuff and that was the most special. A lot of my kids (I did pre K) made me cards and that was the best. Those by far were the highlight of the holidays for me. Though one of my parents making homemade truffles sure did come as a close first too, not gonna lie! = D
Me, my husband and adopted brother (best friend we adopted as family) have a household rule for gifts. They are not expected so if you decide to it better be because you want to. We leave the holidays for spending time together, showing we love each other and overall having fun. I usually give my hubby a sappy card or something. I also usually make him something he likes. He usually does something ultra sweet for me. For us its more about the thought than the cash spent and it feels special!
Awesome video, thanks!
Frankly, I don't have the energy to do Christmas. CFS and fibro and husband with Parkinson's disease.
I do celebrate the joy that Christ brings with a thankful heart and kindness toward people.❤️
I call my Mother in law "Mama Barb" so when I started hearing Tawra, talking about you, she would address you as Mom & I didn't want to address you as Mom, so I started calling you "Mama Jill" 😊 I'm glad you don't mind, at least I hope not, & I've noticed others call you that now too. By the way, thanks for another wonderful video! I very much enjoy every story you tell ❤ You are very Inspirational, as well as the whole family! I've learned so much from each of you. You raised a wonderful daughter who gets to share all her wisdom with all of us! Thank You! P.s. I still think you should preach sermons, you make me think every time you speak & it's always with such love & kindness ❤
That is funny Miss Ghost. I don't mind at all being called that at all. I know almost everyone does now. That was a good idea of what to call your mother in law. I wish I had known that. I never quite knew what to call my mother in law. Mom didn't seem quite right an calling her by her first name didn't seem right either so I was always stumped. By the time the kids came along I was able to call her grandma so that helped.
It is funny you think I should preach sermons because my kids think I preach sermons at them all the time. :) :) I have to I'm a mom. :) :)
I'm glad you don't mind 😉 and yes I felt the exact same way... I didn't know what to call my Mother in law, even tho our family is all very close, it felt kind of weird to call her Mom. Until her birthday several years ago, I addressed her as Mama Barb in her birthday card & she loved it! So ever since then, that's what I call her. In regards to your "sermons" 😉 I just feel spiritually engaged when you speak... I was raised in a Lutheran Church, but as I got older I didn't agree with their teachings so I stopped attending. As I learn & grow as an adult, I have gathered my own beliefs & spiritually along the way. And now, every time I hear your story, it touches my heart ❤ I think that's why so many of us subscribers get so excited when we see your next installment posted - We don't only enjoy You, Tawra & Mike, but we love your stories & the moral of the story as well. It's something we relate to & learn from. So again, I thank you 😊 Ok this is a long comment lol! Take care & as always I look forward to your next story!
The Gift was wonderful- I really enjoyed it.
Jill love your stories... I can relate... one year I didn't have hardly any money at all, so I taught myself to crochet and made everyone a crochet hat and made some homemade cookies and fudge. This is when my dad was still alive and he said "sis that means more to me than anything store bought cause I know you took the time to make it and it was made with love". People need to realize....gifts don't have to be expensive. I usually make everyone homemade goodies and most of them now look forward to it and say they enjoy it more than a store bought gift. It's the purpose and reason behind what you do... not the gift that means more to the people than anything.... just people need to remember that.
Great ideas! Oh how true about the letters! You should not be feeling depressed or envious after reading someone's Christmas letter. But, when they make everything sound so perfect and because their whole family is super high achievers and now they are living the good life....and your family is just normal....it can make you feel kind of sad. This should not be!
Lol I don't have a phone. I traded a crochet blanket for my computer. Just about everything we own was a gift or second hand.
mama Jill Amen very well said. I totally agree..I loved the story it is very true..am glad I watched this video because this yr am giving gifts but cutting back in expensive. but making lovely memories. can't wait for your next video thxs for sharing
Jill- I am completely enjoying all your stories and great wisdom that you share!! You're doing a great job!! Wondering if you can tell everyone what you buy at the grocery store for yourself, and your tips to stretch your food dollars. I also shop at Aldis for most things I buy. Thanks and many blessings!! Barb
Oddly enough, only two gifts get the biggest praise-cookie/fudge baskets(buy the baskets from goodwill), and...weird as it sounds....a toiletries basket. I received the most praise the year I did that- a lot of people I knew were financially strapped that year(as was I), and ended up spending money on gifts but would skip their utility bills,etc. to compensate. I was an extreme couponer and got everything for pennies-toilet paper, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, deodorant, etc. but to them, it meant at least a month where they didn't have one more thing to worry about(personal products)! Plus, who doesn't need these things? You can even customize it by sensitivities, personal convictions(organic,etc.), etc. if you find coupons for it!
And I agree with Mama Jill 100% about,well, everything. She hit the nail on the head when mentioning the passage of Ester and God's nature in reference to presents/gifts.
God prepared his people for years for the best gift of all-we should be preparing ourselves the same way(over the course of the year). Not thinking of ourselves but OTHERS and CHRIST in preparation for Christmas.
Loved this! Can't wait to see the next episode!
Blessings to you and yours!
Love that poem I can relate to it from my heart;;people do not prepare or care to when it comes to giving;;love the way you see life''
I totally agree. However, the way I handled some of the obligations in the past when I felt that I had to give something with neighbors, mailman, etc. was to give a Christmas card or just use plain writing paper and envelopes and wish the person Merry Christmas and say that I appreciate them as a neighbor or mailman or whatever. At least I avoided some of the negativity I had gotten before with not giving. Granted most didn't want just a note saying Merry Christmas but at least they couldn't say they didn't get an acknowledgement.
Thank you for that great story you wrote Jill! You truly have a gift for writing; i bet you could get that story published! So many great tips from each of you:-)) Could we please have the mailing addresses for each of you so that we could send Christmas cards? I needed this video to keep my head on straight with spending and perhaps making gifts. Many Blessings:-))
That is so sweet of you. If you need to send anything to us you can send it to Living on a Dime PO Box 193, Mead, CO 80542 We both will get our stuff from there.
Last year was our first year playing Dirty Santa each person brings a wrapped $20 gift and you draw a number and you can pick a Gift or steal. We had so much fun with it.
Thank you for sharing your video and I very Blessed from you all!
i am finishing watching this at 1:38 in the late hours. thank you do being here have a good day to you all. and good night
Like when Christmas time comes around people don't pay their bills because they need the money for gifts. People, Christmas comes every year and you have 12 months to buy or make gifts not just one.
We have a family member who "never has money to buy gifts because she's on a fixed income". YET...she has beautiful clothes, new shoes every season, etc. and she only ever considers buying name brand things. I had to replace my washer a few years ago and she asked me what brand I got. I told her and she said, "Oh, I got a Whirlpool...."they" said it's top of the line!" Well....we bought the best value we could within our budget, which happened to be a brand that was bought by Whirlpool. I get tired of her excuses. I make lots of NICE handmade gifts and I barely get a mumbled 'thanks' from her (she usually tells my husband to tell me). Guess my gifts are not 'top of the line'. lol I love this video and, since I am going through a financial low right now, this hit home. I do lots of things like roast coffee beans, make candies and cookies, candles, herbal teas--to name a few things. These gifts are not only physical gifts...but gifts of time, work, and thought....with lots of love. I'm always so excited to give and it hurts when I can tell it's sloughed off as 'nothing'. Great story....great video...great family...thanks for the videos!
We are trying to do less and less every year, I read the book Hundred Dollar Holiday and it really opened my eyes. Id rather here more stories of Jills life than any talk of Christmas Stuff.
We will be doing more of my stories Linda but we have had requests for so many different things we are trying to cover them all.
Loved the GIFT. Wish I could find it to share with others.
Here you go Paula. You are welcome to share it. www.livingonadime.com/gift-true-meaning-of-christmas/
I love the story in the book of Esther never saw this until Jill pointer it out.
A bit off topic here: I do the same thing at stores when they ask for my Zip Code or telephone number, with not the least expectation that I 'won't' give it to them! I say: No. Thanks. ...and smile. If they come back with: "But I have to put something in here before the computer will let me go further." HA! I tell them: "Put 'your's' in that spot." Or, I also use a 'dummy' phone number...one that NObody would ever have! (that one tickles me because not 'once' has any clerk refused to put it in). lol
I love your videos. I feel like I'm visiting with family. Great advice and I loved the story. I love thanksgiving and host it, but I go all out at Christmas. My tree is already up, because I decorate every room. Celebrating the birth of Christ warms my heart.💗
I think we should celebrate Christmas. Too many people get hung up over gift buying and go into debt and have lost the true meaning of Christmas. How about if we gave the gift of our time to who needs it. Or our help run errands for somebody who cant get out and do it. Sharing of ourselves with someone who needs it. Maybe Sharing our Christmas dinner with someone who wont have one . I think those are the best gifts we could give. Not a store bought gift to give to someone who has all that they want and need already. Teachers, mailperson, the guy collecting garbage ect.........they get a gift its called a called a paycheck.
Thank you for all you share with us, Jill. I really appreciate your sweet spirit -- even when your daughter and son-in-law raz you! LOL I know they must love you a lot or they wouldn't kid you so much. I love watching the Living on a Dime videos and reading your blog. God bless!
the people you love don't care how much you spent on their gifts. I spend anything from £1 - £30. I always ask everyone what they NEED and I'll get it.
I just give to family and friends children. even if it's a box of chocolates from £1 store. they don't care. it's the fact you thought of them :) x
thank you for a wonderful story x
your mother should write her book I enjoyed listen her story.
Love you both.
very good info - I had to practice saying "no" in front of a mirror so that when I was asked to do something the first word out of my mouth was no. I later came up with "thank you for thinking of me but I am not able to help you at this time" I learned NOT to elaborate on why I could not help out, if you offer an excuse why you cannot help you will find yourself having to defend your position but if you just keep repeating your "line" with no explanation you will be left alone.
So true and I think people would be surprised that most of the time when you say no no one questions it or asks for a reason.
This one food store I go to that is close has so many people doing fundraisers. They see me walking out with a full back pack and ask me. One time I asked the guy you want to buy me a car. I said this because he always sees me walking and has also seen me with my four kids. When I give to someone I do it because I want to.
Awesome update thank you for sharing have a blessed day
Jill you are right! Those long, long, selfishily inspired yearly letters are way over the top!
Christmas today is so, so different from when I was a kid. True, electronics didn't exist, but yet despite the fact that my parents barely took home $100 a week between the 2 of them, we always had a nice Christmas. The gifts were NOT expensive in the sense of the word expensive. My sister and I usually got a doll each and about 5 or 6 board games to share . . . and we were happy! When we got older, we received 1 maybe 2 clothing items. My mother would save a few dollars each week so that she could have something under the tree and a good meal on the table. Today, toys run $20 to hundreds of dollars and children want them all, not 2 or 3, but 7 or 8 presents. It has a become a "GIVE ME" society and "I hate you if I don't get it". I see it with my own niece, 29. Her parents gave her everything even supporting her until she married a year and a half ago and now she's still begging her parents to pay her bills (rather than working as a team with her husband to pay their bills) and being verbally abusive when her mother tells her she can't do it any more (and she can't). She feels her mother "owes" her.Retailers/marketers have done their jobs well. They have convinced a good number of us that you MUST have this or your MUST have that or you are a bad parent or an outcast. And weeks before, tv ads push the need for computers, stainless steel appliances, new furniture to impress family when they visit, and expensive clothing and toys for kids. What a traumatic experience it is when you do find yourself in the position of not being able to afford Christmas to the degree that you did in the past. If you're a young family don't start out spending hundreds or thousands of dollars for Christmas. Take away the emphasis of expensive gifts or a huge quantity of gifts right from the start. Build your Christmases around traditions, the family meal (even this need not be super expensive), and giving to others who are not as fortunate and of course, love. Don't put yourself in the position of feeling you have to camp out for a week in front of a store to get modified, cheaply made electronics for $100 each on Black Friday or go into serious debt. Take away the emphasis on receiving expensive items that a few weeks later will end up being unused or broken.Don't be afraid to tell family that things are tight this year and you're concentrating on only your kids this year. Things happen . . . you find yourself a single parent, one of you and in some cases both of you have lost your job and taken a serious cut in pay. Sit down and determine what you can and cannot do and stick to your guns.
love the story Jill!alo the whole program is great
love her story she should write it ,I enjoyed listening
Very true Jill! We love your sage advise! Thank you for reminding us. I also love the fact that I can feel better in saying screw it to gifting all these extraneous people around the holidays now! The doorman for my building makes out like a bandit every year and all the guy does is open the door. Sorry but I hate the idea of tipping all these people like the mailman, doorman, dry cleaner, housekeeping staff for my condo building (who just clean the common area) ETC. The list gets bigger every year and I have to wonder why those people are considered more special than others that don't even get tips for doing their job. My building management sends out a list of people who work around our building and provides recommended yearly tip amounts. They are suggesting hundreds of dollars per household to these people for doing their regular job for which they are being paid handsomely to do in the first place. compound that by hundreds of units and they double their yearly salary just on the Christmas tips. It really makes me mad because I know I never received a single "tip" in my life for doing my job. I'm just not going to participate in this tradition anymore. Especially since they don't want anybody to mention the word Christmas or make it at all about religion because of fear of offending somebody of another religion. If that is how it is now than this idea of Christmas tipping is outdated too and everybody should just worry about celebrating their own religious holidays and just provide gifts for their own family and loved ones.
Blanca W I know what you mean, you are tired of the commercialization of Christmas. They don't even sound like they want a Christmas gift, they want a tip, or extra money. You could do cookies or something and if that's not good enough, to bad, you should give because you want to, not because you feel obligated. A list of tip amounts is outrageous as far as I'm concerned, especially if you couple it with instructions to keep religion out of it, (it's a religious holiday after all). It's insulting to your faith to tell you to keep your religion out of it. It seems that people feel they can insult (just the Christian faith).
wolftreetree Exactly right! The world has gone crazy. Glad to see that some of us still value the old ways.
Big problem with this advice- Girl scout cookies are amazing LOL they are a must each year. We do plan out how many of each kind & who we're buying them from so that goes along that advice.
I needed this today. Thank you!!
You are so welcome Callie.
Well said.
Thankfully we don't do all the Christmas tree, gift stuff. December 25th which falls on a Sunday this year, we plan on going to a movie and then skiing, since we do experiences that are fun and affordable. And sure do not need more 'stuff'. And come the New Year there are NO credit card bills, or needless 'stuff' that ends up being donated to the thrift store. My relatives always gave a gift card to the doorman, cleaning lady, hairdresser in NYC, because if you can afford those services, it's expected. By the way I see Jill likes Mary Engelbriet......
I do like her stuff Beth. Love the colors she uses. I have black and white polka dots and checks in my kitchen with pops of bright colors and cherry things so her stuff fits in. Most of my stuff from her are really good thrift store finds. The tea pot was a dollar.
You guys are crazy, but very interesting and funny.....And truthful at the same time...
one year i bought my son a big toy at christmas, he had more fun with the box it came in than the toy. lol
Thanks for your advice! Love y'all's video. Just wondering what state and location (rural or suburban )? I literally laughed out loud at the cookies for neighbors comment. :)
I could listen to them for hours, I always laugh & learn something new 😉 By the way, they live In Colorado, Rural Suburbs, I probably should let her answer this, but in my observations, Tawra has stated a few times they have to drive quite a ways to get to town, but they do have neighbors that live close by, not like in the middle of no where, so I'd say Rural Suburbs 😉
Tawra is in Colorado and is in pretty much a suburb. I live in Kansas right downtown in Wichita. We have both lived in rural and in cities and in many different states and areas.
Awesome Video Luckily I'm Almost Finished With My Christmas Shopping I've Been Shopping For Them All Year Long From Clearances & Coupons:)
Jill, (plus the-other-people.com), When folks 'expect' me to contribute to people, and charities not in my list, I am confident enough to say: "No, thank you." ....with a smile, and ABSOLUTELY NO EXPLANATIONS! Simply, "No, thank you." Same thing when I worked, unless it was a personal FRIEND....not every co-worker I ever had! As for the mailman, trash collectors, doctors, nurses, ETC.....THEY GET PAID TO BE NICE TO ME. I do try to be nice to everyone of them...all year long. : )
OMG just got to the part about the 'red robin letter' in christmas cards - I hate this so much aaaarrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!
... good ideas / tips .... thank you :)
WONDERFUL
love mama jill
Just Beautiful!! :)
Love You All enjoyed ur story Beautiful
Thank you for the scripture reference in Esther. What a good reminder from Gods word that it's ok to celebrate and to be thankful for all our blessings. I dread all the disputes about Merry Christmas or putting the nativity scene on public property. I always want to just say if you want to see a nativity put one in your yard and leave it there all year, don't try to petition congress. LOL
I was really thinking about giving your cookbook for Christmas to my 4 daughters and 2 daughters-in-laws, would that be ok? LOL
That would be great Linda. I hope they enjoy it. Didn't know if you need the link for that or not but here it is in case you do. www.livingonadime.com/store/
Obligatory gifts generally cause Resentment later on. That Resentment festers. Not a happy time and wouldnt represent the loving feelings that our Lord wants us to have for our fellow man.
Jill -- I'd love to hear a discussion about tipping. You mentioned tipping your hairdresser ..... if he/she is charging for their services, why do we tip above?
You know Andrea I have questioned that so often myself. The history of tipping is hair raising. At one point people tipped to others who were considered inferior to them. That would go over like a lead balloon now. It started in America after the very rich started going to Europe and came home and wanted to flaunt their money. That is just the beginning of it all.
Jill Cooper since we've moved to England I've only tipped at restaurants -- 10% tops -- but our VAT, similar to sales tax, is 20%. Personally, I believe that a retailer or service provider is the person who should be expressing gratitude to customers...not the other way around.
Good point. I am not positive but I think people in England and Europe think Americans have gone crazy with their tipping and I tend to agree with them.
girl scouts cookies are outrages and out of the $4 a box they only get like .50 cents so I give them cash and the taste of the cookies are just not that great for the amount you get and the cost.
The moral to the story selfishness. The most important thing is themselves.
Or how they look to other people. Keeping up with jones.
Amen to the Christmas letter bit, too. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Send a Christ-centered card, as it is Christ-mas.
...Idk that, as my Dad lay paralyzed with ALS, he found it a blessing to read about someone's 10 ski trips--as a Christmas card greeting. :/
👍😊❣️
hi testing
That story was about you, wasn't it (Shame on you Tawra and Michael)..Lol...just kidding.
* I was one of those kids (well 19) whos parents cancelled Christmas gift giving. My mother and sister-in- law got together and decided "no gifts". I was upset. In protest I didn't come home for Christmas, went and spent my college break in NYC with friends. It wasn't the gifts, it was that I was not part of making that decision.
Actually the story was about some people my son knew and he couldn't believe it when they said that because he knew they had spent and spent all year long.
What do I buy the men in my life. No, I can't afford a plane, car or boat, even in remote control form. Useful gifts would be a bonus. They aren't readers so that's out. (Son and son in law if that helps. My hubby was difficult to buy for too. )
Narelle Works audio books? Movies? Make manly scented soap? Tickets/Gift cards to their favorite store/movie theater? Socks? Ties?
In the next 2 videos that we are putting out we list different things to buy and where to get them and all.
Mama Jenn lovely ideas
lol
K
I'm an atheist. We stopped celebrating all holidays except our birthdays and anniversary 15 years ago and have so much more money to spend on ourselves any time of the year.