Filing bankruptcy to afford Christmas?

I am a bankruptcy attorney in Arizona ($995/Chapter 7) and know that society has really gotten out of hand when clients tell me they need to file bankruptcy now in order to afford Christmas. The pressure that is put on families to buy gifts for everyone has grown to an alarming level. If you don't buy presents for family members, close friends, co-workers, etc., people think there is something wrong with you. I would say that Jesus would be rolling over in his grave if he knew what had happened to the original meaning of Christmas, but he rose again and instead is looking down shaking his head.

This is the worst economy in years, and everyone is either underemployed, out of a job, or knows lots of people who are. Ironically, many of those underemployed are working for retailers this Christmas season, and need people to buy gifts. Sort of a catch-22. The stores are not going to let up on the pressure to buy-buy-buy.

If you are going to consider filing bankruptcy in order to afford Christmas, keep in mind the bankruptcy trustee will look long and hard at any large expenditures made around the bankruptcy filing. Bankruptcy is not supposed to be a license to spend freely. Everything should be done in moderation, and that includes buying presents at Christmas. Don't succumb to the pressure to be like Mr. and Mrs. Smith down the street.

Here are some ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts:

http://collectibles.about.com/od/auctionsandshopping1/tp/twentygiftsforundertwenty.htm
http://www.redbookmag.com/kids-family/advice/inexpensive-Christmas-gift
http://www.coolchristmaspresents.org/inexpensive-christmas-gifts-cheap-christmas-gifts-theyll-love.html
http://www.moneyunder30.com/cheap-gifts-53-inexpensive-christmas-gifts
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/money/63giftsunder10dollars.htm
http://www.mydollarplan.com/inexpensive-christmas-gifts/

Here are some tips for dealing with children who expect a lot of presents for Christmas. I found the book above which offers an in-depth explanation of why buying presents for Christmas is a bad idea.

The Alexander Bankruptcy Law Firm provides low low cost Chapter 7 and 13 personal bankruptcies. $995 Chapter 7 or $2500 Chapter 13 bankruptcies plus court filing fee. Free consultation with a compassionate attorney who will handle your case personally. Call 24/7, available to meet with you around your schedule. 602-326-9116. Conveniently located in Central Phoenix along the Camelback corridor. AlexanderBankruptcyLawFirm.com