<prompt> Human: Hello!Im not talking about Hey, I want this now, I dont get paid until date, but I DO have a credit card kinda thing. My question stems from the fact that my husband and I live basically in the middle of both our families, geographically, and times have been tight. Like, scraping the bottom of the barrel, fridge is really bare, going out is infrequent if ever, tight.With Christmas just over two weeks away, Im starting to panic a little. I get paid tomorrow husband gets paid next week, but after needed expensesbills deducted, I will have 20, maybe a little more - and that doesnt include grocery money. My next pay is the 23rd - should be a bit larger, but 1 two days before Christmas 2 I will need to earmark lots for other expenses and bills.The possibility of staying home for the holidays has come up, and Im starting to think it might be a smarter choice. We have one car - a solid machine, but shes a 2009 model, so getting older. At current gas prices, 40-50 fills my tank. Seeing my parents is closer, so less gas, and my Dad usually slips me a 20 or two for gas. Bear in mind that it takes half a tank a week for me to get to work. Seeing my in-laws is further usually almost half a tank, one way and we stay the whole weekend, which adds up - buying some booze, my husbands smokes, and anything else that comes up we can go without a fast food stop, but hubby usually insists we mostly he get a coffee.My parents do not expect a gift, neither do my in-laws although, depending, we MAY do a 10 Yankee Swap with the in-laws, but may not. I wanted to cross stitch something for each, but I probably cant afford the materials needed, which is truly disappointing for me.I have been in contact with my mother-in-law, and she does understand if we cant make it. I also told her if we decide to not travel, then its for both families, because thats not fair to play favourites.So, my question - how do you determine if you honestly cant afford to do something like this? I havent seen my parents since July, and my husband and brother-in-law who lives in our city as well havent seen their Mom since March or so. It sucks, it really sucks, but I would rather approach this using my head and not my heart - seeing family is great, but if it means we cant afford food or to pay bills that NEED to be dealt with, then stress good times with family.Thanks!!  <response>: To be honest if you cant afford it without using credit then you shouldnt do it. I would just stay home and explain money is tight and if they want to see you they can come visit you. We personally have been in this situationwe live 3-4 hours from both of our families and we have had to stay home for the holidays and would visit when we had more money or my parents have given us money to visit as a gift for the holidaysits more expensive for us because we have 2 dogs and one has to be kenneled when we travel which is around 100 on top of gas and food! if you do feel its important to see them then go ahead and if you can reasonable pay off the credit card in a month or two go but I would really stay home and have them come to you or see if they could help you pay for gas. Also what I have done to afford it now is to put everything I buy and all my bills on a rewards card credit card1.5 cash back on all purchasesand pay it off before interest hits and then use the reward money for Christmas travel. Its worked great and gotten rid of the holiday stress! 