MrRogersNeighborhood
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This is probably the wrong meme but I'm too broken right now to give a shit.
Absolutely everything in my life except for my 2yo daughter has fallen apart. I couldn't try any harder to ruin it. It feels like in a previous life I must have been horrible because the karma gods hate me... I'll stop whining now.
The one thing that kills me right now is having Christmas Eve alone with my toddler and having nothing special about it. This may be a weird request but can someone in the greater Fort Collins area host us? I'm not looking for any kind of aid or support, just some community for the afternoon so there is more than a 3ft tree and a TV to stare at. I'm a stable, non-creepy, licensed foster parent, 40yo male that doesn't have any social network after my marriage disintegrated.
Clarification:
My child's needs and more are completely taken care of by her maternal family. It means so much that so many people offered to buy us dinner or presents that I teared up. My basic needs are met too but because I'm legally married and she makes a solid amount of money I don't qualify for services. I've been a stay at home parent for the last 3 years and all of my eggs are in one basket. For reasons I'm not able to work full time right now but I'm not sick enough to qualify for SSI. There are a lot of other significant things going on as well but those aren't something to share.
Update:
Thank you everyone for your kindness and support. I've been in the comments sections for a decade on many of these posts asking Imgur for support. Thank you everyone for keeping this an amazing community of random ass weird people that care and actually take action to help one another.
I don't have a lot of spare mental energy so I will respond to comments and messages as I can; you aren't being ignored.
ChelVanin
Fatefullspazoid
Check out Northside Aztlan Community Center, $1 child drop in sessions for you to get some you time while they have fun. I would wager they have additional things to do and opportunities for you to meet other parents. All holidays are what you make of them and a young child will just remember spending the holiday with you no matter what is going on. Get some personal time and improve yourself and that will make the biggest difference for your little one.
ShyWifeGingerKitten
I get it bro. I'm gonna tell you something your not gonna see on this medium with nothing but love: tighten up those big boy pants for your child. Toddler don't give a shit about any of the things bothering you right now. Just love. Storms pass and the sun always rises. Everyone falls. It takes courage to stand back up. NEVER stay down. Rocky Balboa that shit homie.
LoveWarriorPrincess
I really hope you get someone to invite you. Otherwise, check your local community centers and churches.
Lynkfox
Christmas doesn't have to be fancy. Especially not to a toddler. All it has to have is cheap wrapping paper (newspapers work fine) to rip up around boxes and your love.
But the other suggestions here (like the Sr center or day on the town) are good too.
But trust me. Loving your kid and just being there, focused on them (not your phone, not the problems of tomorrow, not the tv... Them) is the best gift any kid ever wants
thegirlwithallthefish
Messaging you! We're in the area but will be out of town, let me ask my friends if they have extra space. We're all super friendly and love kids.
stickywiggit
Honestly, you ARE special even if you're strapped. Play a game together, play a Christmas movie and sing along to the songs, get a bunch of boxes and make a cardboard house, make a blanket fort and eat snacks together inside. Kids just want to be with you. You may hear the words "this was the best Christmas EVER" even if you didn't spend a dime.
PileOfWalthers
Sadly, life isn't a karma vending machine where you put in Good Deeds and Good Rewards come out. You can do everything right, and still get kicked in the crotch as a reward. If it's any weak consolations, I've had worse christmasses than the one your describing.
RetrogradeLlama
Just make up some activities to do with the kid. They’ll love it and it will be rewarding for you to make them happy.
mytruepersonality
As much as I am against religion in general, religions are meant for this purpose.
minizeries
I was in my women's group at church and most of our monthly meetings centered around distributing the money we made at our spring rummage sale to people (almost never from our church itself;) who needed it. An electric bill, some food, etc. It was never a LOT, but we did our best to offer something.
snowmuncher
Im sorry for what you are going through. I’m sorry that you are hurting. I’m sure that you are very special for that kid and more than enough for Christmas, so don’t put too much pressure on your shoulders. I hope you all the best
snowmuncher
*wish you all the best
AttackOfTheKillerTubas
DM me I would be glad to help located in Denver
ScienceChub
Hi friend, I'm in Thornton trying my damnedest to keep the magic in the holidays for my kiddos this year. Things are Hard with a capital 'H'. Message me and maybe we can work something out <3
MrBananaPants
Upvoting for awareness
Lulabel73
They’re two, buy them a roll of wrapping paper to go crazy with. Make your own fun.
SecretCookies
I don't have any family outside of my girls, so we would go out for the day! Most cities host events. We would do a fun breakfast, then open presents, then hit the town! When we couldn't afford that, we would spend they day playing games and watching movies. My kids are in their 20's now, but they remember those days fondly. If you don't get a host, try not to worry. They won't know the difference.
MrRogersNeighborhood
Thank you
SecretCookies
Of course, love! Message me if you need help with ideas, recipes, homemade presents to save money, ect. I promise I have a TON of stuff I've done in the past that will work for just you and your baby, for every holiday.
SecretCookies
This also goes out to anyone reading this. If you need low-cost ideas for the holidays, message me. I got you.
OneBabyOneHamburgerBun
Little brother used to live there back when he was taking classes at CSU. https://www.visitftcollins.com/events/holidays/ has been a pretty fun source to see what you can poke at.
When I was little visiting "Santa's Reindeer" was absolute magic. If your kid's in to animals and the weather is nice, absolutely prod at the event, think it's at the Bath Garden Center these days.
MaxlRose
Kids don’t really notice what you’re describing as a bad thing. They see it as spending time with their parent. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. Try and enjoy your babies Xmas.
ageek3000
I came to say the same thing. A toddler's favorite thing is you, and it pays dividends down the road.
Onewugtwowugs
THIS
darkninja2992
Yeah. Just giving your child love and attention from yourself specifically will be the biggest part of what makes Christmas special for her
Fatloudorangecat
Rest Assured, you toddler wants nothing more than to spend time with YOU.
KiddR78
I’m not in Fort Collins, I’m not even in the same state, but if I was I’d invite you to my house. I hope someone in your area sees this and feels the way I do. For what it’s worth, the other comments about kids not seeing the bad are right. 1/2
KiddR78
I grew up dirt poor, my parents would send us to church so we could have at least 1 hearty meal a week. This church had a breakfast program on Sunday mornings. I didn’t realize we were poor until much later because my mom did such a good job of making everything fun. All kids want is time with their parent, you are already a good Christmas. Sorry you’re feeling low, I wish you a Merry Christmas.
pinkhoneybee
@OP, some wisdom that sticks with me til’ this day: “People may not remember what you said or what you wore, but they will remember how you made them FEEL.” This is applicable at any age. Time is the most precious commodity, not expensive gifts. I grew up poor, but worse was the lack of love. That left a deep scar. Your daughter is 2. She will directly benefit from your smiles and hugs. Go out and meet new friends! Wish you two joyous vibes! Live. Love. Laugh. <3
alaest0r
If you're excited, they'll be excited. Make it a Christmas to remember (for you, at least)
Dappin
Not Xmas Eve, but this sounds like a really fun local event Dec 21st: check it out: https://www.visitftcollins.com/event/visit-santas-reindeer-at-bath-garden-center/34676/
thundercactus
I promise the most important memory she will have is that you were there. And it will be the most important memory you have, too!
ashesnghost
Go buy her the board game "don't break the ice" and put on some fun music. :) I can almost guarantee that you 2 will be playing for hours
PolarHailStorm
You're the only special thing the kid gives a shit about. As long as you're there, it's Christmas.
LordListerofSmeg
https://bsky.app/profile/mystik-spiral.bsky.social/post/3lcovcnjgak2s
bladderinfection
Look for a senior center, old folks home. Talk to the director, I know for sure the folks will love seeing a kid.
TrueNorthernLights
This is actually an amazing idea! Start the tradition of visiting those even worse off than you are. Make Christmas a day about giving, not getting.
EmilyPseu
Oh my god, yes!
MrRogersNeighborhood
That's a brilliant idea.
Toqom
When older, try animal shelters, they need volunteers during the holidays
NarratesTheDarkerStory
Oh my God dude, yes! I work at a retirement home. Had a midlife crisis (just a normal crisis, had really nothing to do with age) l, quit my high paying job, moved home with my parents, and work as many hours as I can as a maintenance man for them. They do a butt load of activities constantly, and would love to have volunteers! This Christmas Eve/Day will be the 5th or 6th one I've worked ina row, but this time it's by choice. I'm single and 40.and half the resident will have nobody.