Dad Is Overwhelmed Before Christmas, Wants To Cancel It But Gets A Wakeup Call Online

Christmas is meant to be a time of festive cheer… but for many, that’s not the case. Some people are lonely, others are grieving. Then there are those who find themselves in a financial position that makes it near-impossible to celebrate or be happy.

A man has left people in tears after revealing that he’s considering canceling Christmas because he’s officially broke and drowning in debt. He says he feels like a failure to his wife and little girl but doesn’t see the point of putting up a tree when there’ll be nothing underneath it. There’s been a collective outpouring of kindness and support, as people try to convince the father to rethink things for the sake of his family.

Bored Panda reached out to WalletHub‘s financial writer and analyst, Chip Lupo to see what advice he has for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation this year.

How do you celebrate Christmas when you find yourself with a negative bank balance and have lost all hope?

Man wearing Santa hat and glasses, sitting by a decorated Christmas tree, appearing sad about Christmas affordability.

Image credits: drazenphoto (not the actual photo)

This husband and father feels it’s better to pretend the holiday doesn’t exist, but many disagree

Father considering canceling Christmas due to financial struggles, unable to afford holiday expenses this year.

Father wants to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles, worried daughter won’t know or remember the missed holiday.

He later revealed how he’d found out he was officially broke

Online discussion about father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and family reactions shared in forum comments.

People assured the father that he’s not a failure and shared their advice

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing how a father can celebrate Christmas without spending money despite financial struggles.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment suggesting to put up decorations and wrap an existing toy due to Christmas affordability concerns.

Text post discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles but suggesting alternative family focus.

Reddit comment offering support to a father struggling with debt and considering canceling Christmas due to affordability.

Comment discussing that local food banks and charities provide free toys and gifts for families who cannot afford Christmas expenses.

Commenter shares childhood Christmas story emphasizing love over presents and suggests simple gifts and quality time with daughter.

Comment reflecting a father's struggle with affording Christmas and alternative ways to create meaningful memories.

Commenter advises father facing financial struggles to find affordable Christmas alternatives for his child who won't remember gifts.

Comment about father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles with affordability concerns.

Dozens of strangers showered the man with support, while still reminding him that his family deserves to celebrate

Commenter advises father considering canceling Christmas due to finances, emphasizing memories over presents and self-kindness.

ALT text: Father wants to cancel Christmas due to affordability, discussing ways to create a memorable Christmas on a budget.

Reddit comment discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability and focusing on family over material gifts.

Commenter discussing father's decision to cancel Christmas due to affordability and its emotional impact on family.

Comment advising a father who wants to cancel Christmas due to affordability to focus on family and simple celebrations instead.

Commenter advises father worried about canceling Christmas due to finances, emphasizing love over gifts and support.

Comment advising a father struggling with finances to focus on homemade Christmas gifts and family smiles despite money worries.

Father struggling to afford Christmas considers canceling it, worrying his family won’t remember or care about gifts.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing financial struggles related to a father wanting to cancel Christmas.

Comment discussing father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and focusing on positive family attitude.

Comment reflecting on Christmas memories despite financial struggles and a father wanting to cancel Christmas.

Comment expressing frustration about parents having children they cannot afford, related to father wanting to cancel Christmas.

Comment on a post about a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability, emphasizing time and care over gifts.

Comment from notyourcinderella discussing inability to afford Christmas but still planning to decorate with lights and stockings.

Comment discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability but emphasizing his role in keeping the Christmas spirit.

Comment discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles but valuing family moments despite hardship.

Comment advising not to let anger ruin Christmas despite financial struggles and suggesting spending time with family.

Comment on a forum discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability and financial struggles with children.

Some suggested free ways to still have a merry Christmas

Comment advises affordable Christmas ideas for fathers who want to cancel due to financial struggles with gifts.

After an outpouring of offers and messages from strangers, the man said he’d taken time to rethink things

Text excerpt from a father explaining his feelings about canceling Christmas due to financial struggles and seeking support.

Text explaining a father apologizing for financial struggles and inability to afford Christmas gifts this year.

Father struggles with debt and wants to cancel Christmas due to lack of money for gifts and holiday gatherings.

Text excerpt discussing a father explaining why he can't afford Christmas despite having a stable salary and savings.

Man sitting on floor by Christmas tree, looking thoughtful, reflecting on Christmas affordability struggles.

Image credits: TrendsetterImages (not the actual photo)

Text post explaining father’s decision to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and too many toys for child.

Text expressing a father's insecurity linking gifts and love that almost ruined Christmas and asking to help communities.

Father considers canceling Christmas due to financial struggles, worried children won't notice or remember the holiday.

Text excerpt from a father struggling with finances considering canceling Christmas, reflecting on self-improvement and hope.

Text update about a father wanting to cancel Christmas because he can't afford it, expressing his feelings.

Father struggling with finances considers canceling Christmas, worried his daughter won’t understand or remember the holiday.

Text excerpt about a father struggling to afford Christmas while working multiple jobs including DJing at events.

Man counting coins with calculator and notebook, illustrating father unable to afford Christmas expenses.

Image credits: donut3771 (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt about a father struggling to afford Christmas after unexpected pregnancy affecting family plans.

Text excerpt about a father struggling as full-time provider and considering canceling Christmas due to affordability.

Father worried about canceling Christmas due to financial stress and inability to afford holiday expenses.

Text about a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and inability to afford it.

Text excerpt about financial struggles and communication regarding the father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability.

Text about a father explaining his decision to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and volunteering at local food banks.

Father wearing Santa hat looks worried about Christmas expenses while woman in festive sweater sits nearby, both appearing upset.

Image credits: drazenphoto (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt expressing a father's struggle to afford Christmas but wanting to bring joy to his wife and daughter.

Alt text: Father struggles to afford Christmas but finds joy in family moments and creating lasting memories during the holiday season

He also said that he’s sought professional help

Text update from father working on financial planning, realizing love isn’t tied to affording Christmas gifts or baubles.

Father struggling to afford Christmas shares hope his daughter won’t know care or remember the holiday cancellation decision.

Text about a father struggling with budget control and canceling Christmas due to affordability challenges.

Text about a father unable to afford Christmas, choosing to give back to his community instead this season.

Text about a father struggling with affording fertility treatments and considering canceling Christmas due to costs.

Image credits: CapnDonkey

Young child decorating a Christmas tree representing a father unable to afford Christmas expenses this holiday season.

Image credits: CapnDonkey

The dad gave another update 2 weeks later, and a lot had changed thanks to the collective kindness he received

Update message from father discussing canceling Christmas due to affordability and reflecting on his role as a parent.

Father struggles to afford Christmas, seeks financial and emotional support while planning a budget and selling household items.

Father struggling with finances considers canceling Christmas to manage bills and savings for the family.

Text excerpt about a father managing finances and holiday DJ gigs amid struggles affording Christmas celebrations.

Text excerpt about a father managing finances to afford Christmas presents for his daughter despite wanting to cancel Christmas.

Father and child decorating a Christmas tree, reflecting the father’s struggle with affording Christmas this year.

Image credits: CapnDonkey

Text about volunteering and organizing a food drive to support needy families during Christmas amid affordability struggles.

Alt text: Father reflects on canceling Christmas due to affordability but feels gratitude for love and charity this holiday season

Image credits: CapnDonkey

“He’s not failing”: a financial analyst gives their 2 cents

“When someone feels this overwhelmed, the pressure of the holidays can make everything feel heavier,” says Chip Lupo, financial writer and analyst for WalletHub. “But the good news is that enjoying the season doesn’t require a lot any spending at all.”

Bored Panda reached out to Lupo on behalf of the dad to see what advice he has when it comes to navigating the holiday season while drowning in debt. The expert told us that a WalletHub survey  revealed that 81% of people feel better when they set a simple plan upfront.

“That doesn’t mean a long list or expensive gifts; just choosing one or two small items that feel doable,” he explains. “A budget or a low-cost plan can return a sense of control, which is often what feels missing when money is tight.”

Lupo adds that may also help to know that a huge share of people are simplifying the holidays this year. 42% of those polled say their budgets are “stretched thin,” and many families are shifting toward smaller traditions, handmade gifts, or skipping gifts entirely.

That means he’s not ‘falling short,’ he’s adapting,” says Lupo. “The same way millions of others are.”

The experts suggests that the man shouldn’t force cheer, or put up decorations, if it adds stress. “What matters most to a 2-year-old is the connection, not the size of a tree or the number of gifts,” he told us. “Even something small, such as a walk to look at lights, reading a holiday story, or making a simple craft, can become a meaningful moment without costing anything.”

“He’s not failing. He’s simply navigating a tough financial stretch,” Lupo said. “And there’s a lot of room to create a peaceful, low-pressure holiday that doesn’t add new debt or emotional strain.”

Image credits: Towfiqu barbhuiya (not the actual photo)

What to do if you find yourself deep in debt this Christmas, according to an expert

If things look bleak this year and you’re drowning in debt this festive season, Lupo says the most important step is to stop the bleeding and reset your plans.

“More than 1 in 4 Americans are still paying off debt from last holiday season, and 43% say they won’t pay their holiday purchases in full this year, so you’re not alone,” he adds. “Start by making a strict budget, which 81% of people say helps during the holidays. Avoid taking on new debt unless absolutely necessary, especially since 85% of Americans are already planning to spend the same amount of money, or less than last year.”

Lupo says you should also consider focusing on handmade or low-cost alternatives that can help you stay within your means. “If you must use credit, stick to tools that give you breathing room like 0% APR cards, rather than high-interest store financing. Most importantly, map out a realistic payoff plan so this year’s expenses don’t turn into next year’s stress,” he advises.

The expert believes there are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas without spending a lot of money. According to WalletbHub’s survey, 61% of Americans say they’d actually enjoy the holidays more without exchanging gifts. This shows that many people are open to simpler traditions.

“Free options like hosting a potluck meal, planning game or movie nights at home, and enjoying local holiday light displays can make the season feel special without adding financial stress,” Lupo suggests.

Image credits: Nicola Barts (not the actual photo)

“Best update ever!”: people were thrilled and some even shed a tear

Reddit comment about father wanting to cancel Christmas because he can't afford holiday expenses.

Commenter offers advice about handling money troubles and doing charity work, linked to a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing fertility challenges and a surprise pregnancy after years of trying.

Comment expressing support for a father considering canceling Christmas due to affordability concerns.

Comment discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability and focusing on love and memories instead.

Comment expressing holiday wishes and support for father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability concerns.

Comment text expressing hope for a merry Christmas despite a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability.

Father expressing struggle with affording Christmas, considering canceling celebration to manage financial stress.

Alt text: Father struggling with finances considers canceling Christmas due to affordability and impact on family feelings

Comment on a forum post expressing relief or excitement about saving Christmas despite financial struggles.

Screenshot of an online comment highlighting kindness and giving back as important Christmas values for a daughter’s example.

Man frustrated about Christmas expenses, contemplating canceling holiday due to affordability concerns and family impact.

Comment from user thelittlestsappho expressing support for a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability concerns.

Screenshot of an online comment praising the original post about a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability concerns.

Comment expressing relief and hope for a positive change about Christmas, mentioning holiday season and family support.

Screenshot of a heartfelt online comment about a father struggling to afford Christmas for his daughter.

Screenshot of a social media comment expressing holiday wishes related to a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability concerns.

Alt text: Screenshot of a Reddit comment sharing a heartfelt story about a father unable to afford Christmas gifts.

Comment expressing gratitude and inspiration from a fellow Baltimorean on improving Christmas and financial mental health.

Reddit comment expressing support for a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and emotional challenges.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment praising thoughtful advice on a story about a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability.

Comment praising a father for bringing magic to his daughter's life with a beautiful <a href=

Christmas tree despite financial struggles.” />

Screenshot of a Reddit comment saying r/Wholesome AF, related to a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability concerns.

Commenter reflecting on a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to affordability and emotional impact on the family.

Comment expressing support for a father wanting to cancel Christmas due to financial struggles and prioritizing family wellbeing.

Comment on a forum post about a father wanting to cancel Christmas because he can't afford it, with a hopeful tone.

Reddit comment expressing gratitude after reading a heartfelt story about a father wanting to cancel Christmas.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment expressing hope for a beautiful Christmas despite financial struggles.

Comment expressing support for father overwhelmed by financial struggles and wanting to cancel Christmas for family.

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