UPDATE: AITA if I “cancel” Christmas because I can’t afford it this year?

Previous Post: https://aita.pics/eixGt
So, it’s been 2 weeks and somehow the messages are still coming in. Thankfully the offers of charity have stopped (here’s hoping they were redirected to their communities) but a good deal of them asking whether or not I stopped being a grinch and started being a good husband and father again. So, to get those people placated first, here you go: I DECORATED.

‘ UPDATE: AITA if I “cancel” Christmas because I can’t afford it this year?’

I also spoke with a financial advisor, who is helping me set up a budget for 2020, and a counselor who helped me realize that I was worth more than the goods I could offer someone. She recommended 2 separate therapists to me, and neither are taking new patients before the new year, so for now, my wife and I are working on our budget and cleaning out various corners of the house for things to sell.

So far, we’ve gotten rid of some unused basement furniture, a mini fridge that has been empty for 2 years, a bunch of wine racks and paraphernalia (we don’t drink at home since the baby was born 2 years ago, so no need to keep it around) as well as some other things and made about $750, more than enough to pay all the overdue bills, put some money in savings, and groceries in the cupboard.

It’s going to be a long road to pay off this cc debt, but we’re finally addressing the issue head on and moving in the right direction. Since my last paycheck (that covered mortgage and utilities, no worries there, for those who asked if I was behind, thank you) I have also been offered (and taken) 3 DJ gigs for Holiday parties. 2 for personal friends/acquaintances businesses, 1 for a charity.

I refused payment for the children’s charity gig, instead offering to give the money right back to the kids instead, which was gratefully accepted by the organizer. The extra cash from the 2 paying gigs paid down some more debt, and was enough leftover to allow me to have bought some nice new books and a Moana doll for my little girl to open on Xmas morning, (to say nothing of the bags of presents from both sets of grandparents full of clothes and toys, so she’ll be fine from a presents standpoint).

Inspired by everyone’s offers of charity, I volunteered again at Paul’s Place in Baltimore, where this time I donned the hairnet and apron and served hot meals. Cell phones are prohibited inside, plus taking photos of yourself doing charity work defeats the purpose of said work. I also organized a food drive at my office to provide meal kits for Christmas for needy families, and we were able to donate 574 lbs of food to the MD Food Bank!

Thank you to all who reached out and made me realize that I really was an a**hole. I let my personal shortcomings almost ruin a holiday for my wife and child. It won’t be as fancy as our last Christmases, but I have a feeling that this year will be very special to me, no matter how little is under my tree.

I realized that I have all the gifts I need, and I cannot thank the beautiful people who offered up so much charity to a grumpy stranger. I didn’t need to accept your gifts to accept your love, and the offers alone changed my life.. ​. Happy Holiday’s y’all.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

cthulularoo −  Aww f**king A, man. I was not expecting the Onion Ninja on AITA. Good on you for making stuff happen, bro. That pic of your daughter decorating the tree is adorable. I think you and she will treasure that moment in years to come. Happy holidays, bud.. NTA!

[Reddit User] −  Aw the tree looks awesome! The p** is an awesome topper. This is such a lovely update. I am really glad you’re taking steps to care for your mental health – you are worth it. I can tell you firsthand that I grew up without very much materially as a kid and I really didn’t care about lots of presents or how fancy the trappings of the holiday were.

The best present you can give your little one is a happy parent and memories filled with love. It sounds like you also have a really good heart, so I imagine you’ll bring your kiddo up with the right spirit about the holidays, which is giving to others and finding joy in the people you care about. I hope you and your family have such a wonderful Christmas, and thanks for this extremely heartwarming update.

BrinaElka −  Happiest of holidays from a fellow Baltimorean. I bet your little one would love a walk through 34th St to see all the lights, too. This is a wonderful post, and I’m so glad your holiday will be special. You are worthy of it.

ollieclark −  Wow, so pleased things are looking up for you so much. What a heartwarming update. Hope your Christmas is very merry and things continue to improve in the new year.

wildcardgirl47 −  And the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day.

GroundhogNight −  This is just a reminder to people that what OP described here is the definition of grinding. Like we think we work hard, but there’s always that extra gear where you just stop the b**lshit and get to work. And it’s amazing what comes from that.

OP, once you’ve cleaned our your house. Other options are going to yard sales and getting things to sell on eBay. Or going to every local business and offering to DJ whatever events they have. There’s a lot of amazing things that happen when you walk into a room and ask if there’s a chance.

[Reddit User] −  WE SAVED CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

18freckles −  This is the best update ever. Showing kindness and giving back is such a great example to set for your daughter. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Bearmancartoons −  Enjoy your Christmas.

thelittlestsappho −  Aw, I remember your post! I’m so happy that you’ve started doing things for the betterment of yourself and your family; it sounds like 2020 is gonna be a good year for you guys!
By the way, I love the p** as the tree topper. Your young one has good taste.