Not even 6 weeks this year.

No, and I'm not quite sure where you get that from?

If I wanted to say something I would be clear about it.

If I think about it honestly, part of the reason we all gave a gift was because it looked bad on her to get gifts, but not give. Not the way to think about it really.

I remember one year at Christmas my mum was really upset because she couldn't afford the four gifts of us four. So we made cards and a tree decoration.

I remember my teacher loved it, and the one I made for our tree still goes on ever year.

It was a lovely idea, and allowed my mum to worry less about the money side of the gift.

A small gift was a drop in the ocean compared to the new school uniform and PE kit we had to buy!

Maybe, but when you HAVE to buy several uniforms (4 in my parents case) you need to look after the pennies.