Would you lend money to a close family member who was struggling to provide presents to his/her children over the holidays?

If somebody came to me under such a circumstance, I would accede and provide them a loan to ensure that not just their kids, but also that they have a good Christmas. The amount of the loan would depend on my financial condition at the moment, the size of their household, and the level of lifestyle to which they are accustomed to. It should cover enough for basic Christmas decorations, perhaps even a tree, one good present for each child, plus additional volume building stocking stuffers, and a good Christmas dinner.

If I could not succeed in fulfilling the entire amount, I would, with their consent of course, attempt to procure assistance form another close friend or family member to gather the full amount.

Not that they are irresponsible, but it would prevent irresponsible parents from using the money for other things.

I would loan a family member money for presents for Christmas. I would limit the loan the same amount that I spend on my own children, which has never been more (and frequently less) than $100 per child. The adults can do without presents, as far as I'm concerned, we have, and so have our parents.

Of course I would. I've offered to lend close family members -- by that I mainly mean my mother -- money even if they don't need to buy presents. I wouldn't lend them a lot, but a few twenties wouldn't be out of the question at all.

They're family, after all. We take care of each other. Even if that person doesn't pay me back, he or she's done quite enough for me as it is.

Family is family so I think the issue if you should lend them money or not becomes more of an issue of can you afford to just give them the money. I would rather my kids get half of what they usually get and know that everyone is getting something at Christmas than have my kids opening expensive gifts whilst others have nothing.

I would never loan money to a family member because it would just be a bummer if they couldn't pay me back. My motto is 'just give them the money'. What goes around comes around...sooner or later one way or another.

I wouldn't even think twice about loaning my family money. I'd ask what they needed and give them whatever I could handle. I would also not make it a big deal and harass them about paying me back.

I would assume that whenever they could, they would. What people don't understand is it's not easy having to ask someone to borrow money for your kids Christmas presents. I don't know anyone that would get a kick out of that or use the excuse for some other motive.

If they're asking, they must really, really need the help.

No, I would never loan them the money but I would go buy the kids a bunch of presents and the parents wouldn't have to pay me back!

I had a situation this year (actually two days before Christmas)! I felt bad because it was my mother. I always lend her when she needs it.

This time, I had just sent my sister money for her kids and was promised to get half of that back from my mom, so I chose for the first time to say no. I just felt like the first promise to pay me back for my sister negated mom's second request for a loan (with the same time period). I did explain that and I think that made a difference in her response, which was generally positive.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.