MABLETON, Ga. -- Victims of September's historic floods have spent months trying to rebuild their lives, but few have the extra money needed to stuff their children's stockings.

Zahiyah Lahut and her four children lost everything in their Austell rental home during the floods. Since then, every penny has been used to purchase necessities.

"You have to prioritize with kids," said Lahut. "We had to start with their wardrobe, furniture, bedroom sets and stuff like that."

Christmas presents are at the bottom of that list.

"I feel like I've failed them," said Lahut.

Lahut told her kids that, come Christmas morning, there won't be much underneath the tree. The oldest of the four, 11-year-old Nafisah Sharpe, tried to help her younger siblings understand why.

"I understand what happened," said Sharpe. "It's not our fault, so it doesn't really bother me."

Her brother, 10-year-old Mark Anthony Sharpe, tried to come up with his own way to brighten the holiday.

"Well, I might have presents for them," said Mark Anthony.

Even if there's nothing to unwrap Christmas Day, Lahut said her family already received the biggest gift of all.

"We're just gonna wake up, eat and relax," said Lahut. "And be thankful that we all made it out, we're all safe and we all have shelter over our heads."

Lahut said she's sure Santa will come through for her family. She's already received donations from her church, so her kids will have toys to open on Christmas.