It's going to be a blue Christmas, because I don't have green

At this time of year, I end up joining several  Santa's helper gift groups amongst family and friends.  I can't deny that it's easier on the wallet, but it's still a pain to search for things within the limits of each group's budget. 

I find that the things I would want to add to my wish list often exceed those price ceilings.  It's not that I can't find things under the caps, it's just that the things I want and need don't fall within those budgets.

I need things like car repair items as my 17 year old car is starting to show major signs of wear or maintenance items that aren't cheap.  I just put in $750 worth of luxury touring tires.  I still need to do a timing belt service, replace my rear suspension that has finally given up, a leaking power steering system and a CV boot for the front end.  I'm looking at $4500 worth of repairs and that's a decent downpayment on a new car.  Except, if I had the money, I'd already be in a new car.  So one item on my wishlist is a working car.

But that's a need item.  What about the things I want?  Well, I'd like a new lens and an iPad with 64GB memory.  Nothing crazy.  But either item is well over $600. I don't think Santa (or any of his helpers for that matter) will be dropping that under my fake tree this year.

And there are a few other items going on in my life that I'd just be happy for them to go away, but don't have the income to pay them off, like my loans and credit card bills.  And my rent.  Definitely the rent!

If only, right?  That's why I suspect that this year, besides that lump of coal, it's going to be a very blue Christmas because I don't have any green.