Hmm, your question and the answers below don't seem to be on the same topic. But I'm going to answer the 'no Christmas topic'.
I want to thank you for posting this question. Thinking about my answer has really caused me to think about how I'm doing Christmas with my very young children. And my husband and I have really talked about what we want to do in coming years with our girls (now 3 1/2 and 1 1/2).
And I think this situation gives you the opportunity to really think about what Christmas is supposed to mean if you take away presents and commercialism.
I think your best option is to be honest with your kids about what is going on with presents. It's a hard year this year, and you can't afford to give them the kind of presents/Christmas that you would like. And many of their friends are probably going through the same thing -- so it won't be as weird as it could be.
Then, replace the gifts with time and attention. Really spend time together making and doing things about Christmas that are free to very inexpensive. Here are a few suggestions:
- Make gifts together. Take old newspapers and cut them into paper chains to decorate the house.
- String together popcorn into old-fashioned popcorn chains.
- Sing Christmas carols and drink hot chocolate.
- Read the Christmas Carol aloud.
- Go for walks and look at Christmas lights.
- Go to church for a special kid-oriented service.
- Do something for them with photos. Take a good family photo and frame it.
- Paint together.
But you know, all of these are just suggestions. You'll have your own things that you do together. But, I think the important thing is to replace presents and the expensive things with time, attention and creativity. Teenagers may think it's lame (at first) but it could really be a good opportunity for you (and them) to have fun together.
And you have inspired me to start some traditions with my girls (we made muffins and Christmas cookies to give to friends and neighbors) that help me to have Christmas = family as much as Christmas = stuff.