Jobless mum gets creative for Christmas

<strong>ON A BUDGET:</strong> Michela Kane with son Tyjah, 2, says families on a budget need to get creative at Christmas time. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Pirimai mother Michela Kane says it takes creativity to get through Christmas on a budget.

Having "struggled" through previous holiday seasons on the unemployment benefit with her now 2-year-old son, she has learned how to ensure Christmas doesn't leave her in the financial doldrums.

About $60 will fill her son's Christmas sack this year, with educational toys from second-hand stores.

There was no need to buy a Christmas tree. She uses an artificial one each year which, if looked after, "will last forever".

Food for the day itself was purchased on special earlier in the year and stored in the freezer.
"We all love trifle so if we find ingredients on special during the year, we buy it, take it home and freeze it. Then we defrost it two days before Christmas Eve."

The same applied for her family's Christmas roast.

"During the year, stock up on meats, canned food and coleslaw when supermarkets have the big sales."

It also wasn't necessary to shower her extended family members with expensive gifts. They would each receive a family photo, chocolate and a piece of art from her son.

"It doesn't cost anything and it's sentimental. It's a piece of my son on their wall."

Her message to people who felt overwhelmed during the season was simple:

"Step back and take a breath. If you feel you need to get someone a present, get them a $5 voucher or draw them a card. If it's a child, you can cut out pieces of cardboard and make them a jigsaw puzzle. They don't need expensive presents ... you've just got to use a little bit of imagination."

CHRISTMAS DAY FOR THE DISADVANTAGED

Flaxmere: Te Aranga
Marae, 18 Boston Cres, free
Christmas lunch at 12pm.

Hastings: Equippers
Church Hawkes Bay, 306
Hapuka St, free Christmas
lunch at 12pm.

Central Hawke's Bay: St
Andrews Church Hall,
Porongahau Rd, Waipukurau,
free Christmas day meal at
1pm.