Hi L.,
The Community Resource Center on 2nd St. in Encinitas does a Christmas shopping thing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in late December for families in need. You get to go in and choose the toys and/or clothes that you need for your child. They have a wonderful variety from which to choose. The Center is also a terrific resource for parents who need help with getting their lives back on track--housing, food, job placement, counseling, etc. They run a domestic violence shelter also.
Their website is: http://www.communityresourcecenter.org/ and their number is ###-###-####.
If you belong to a church or live near one you should be able to participate in their giving programs. I would call a local church. Our church always has opportunities for their members to buy gifts for local kids for Christmas. There are also food programs that you might be eligible for as well, if that is something that you need.
I will be praying for you, L.. Congratulations on how far you've come! Remember the best gift you can give your child is your love, your attention, and a good example. :-) I mean that. Also--kids enjoy the excitement of Christmas vs. the amount of gifts. Less can indeed be more. My own son wasn't even interested in gifts until he turned four, and really he is satisfied quickly. The cost of the gift does not matter to him. I've noticed that a dollar gift from the Target bin has been enjoyed just as much as more expensive ones. It's parents who get caught up in the cost or amount of gifts. After all, the meaning of Christmas is about love. Last year, when my son was three, his favorite gift was a new tennis ball that the dog got from Santa. He threw it for the dog all morning long, totally forgetting about his own gifts.
:-) D.
