I call bullshit on kids knowing the "value" of gifts others get. I grew up poor, not living on the streets poor but in a tiny apartment, Dad worked multiple jobs, sandwich and ramen for diner poor. My cousins had richer parents. While I didn't know what cost what, I knew damn well the hurt when my cousin would get the big barbie ride on jeep and I didn't. Or she got the easy bake oven and I didn't. I never threw a tantrum over it, I just wondered what I did wrong. My cousin was the biggest brat and a bully, so I never understand how someone so mean could get everything she asked for and I didn't. I have feels on this. So yes, in my house the big items are from the parents. We made that decision, not Santa.
All gifts are wrapped. My brother and I had different paper so no labeling. I even came across the wrapping paper in my Mom's closet one year and didn't think anything of it. I just figured parents did the wrapping, not Santa.
There is a value to kids feeling jealousy or coveting something and not getting it. Life can be disappointing. I see this as a life skill. I would rather my kid be disappointed than a spoiled brat.
Growing up, we were really close to my cousins on my Dad's side because they lived close by. Now the only relationship I have with them is on FB. I adore my aunt though. My uncle/Dad's brother is a d**k and doesn't speak to any of his kids. He doesn't really speak to me but he and his GF did send us a gift when DS was born. On my mom's side, my uncle has been married twice so his 3 kids with his first wife are at least 10 years older than me and his 2 kids with his second wife are 7 years younger than me. Most of them live in CA so we rarely see them and we only really speak on FB but they are wonderful people when we do see each other every few years. I really wish they lived closer. But one of them is a criminal who no one speaks to.
DH doesn't have a relationship with any of his cousins because his uncles and mom don't speak. It's weird because they all live in the same town as us and DH has run into his cousin a bunch and it's as awkward as heck. I actually met his cousin once through my old position because he's an attorney. But he had no idea of the relation.
I just remembered my UO - I think people obsess way too much about what their kids will wear to bed christmas eve so they can get the perfect christmas morning picture. When you look back on those photos in 40 years time you are not going to care about the perfect holiday themed PJs.
It was more of a tradition when we were kids. We always got to open one present on Christmas eve it was our Christmas jammies. I loved it and do the same with DD.
Post by jennyinheaven on Dec 15, 2016 13:14:38 GMT -5
Way late, 103 responses damm ladies. I wrap everything. Right now everything is un labeled and from Santa as the child gets older it's possible labels will appear and some stuff will be from us. Eggnog, cider and hot chocolate all great. All even better with a little booze. DD wears Christmas jammies I always got them don't care about pictures it was just fun and cozy for me as a kid so I'll do it for her. Think I covered it all?
Post by jennyinheaven on Dec 15, 2016 13:17:18 GMT -5
Oh and I'm friends with all my cousins. But it's because they rock and we always show up for each other when it counts even though we live all over the country. But if my family any of them were ass hats I see nothing wrong with cutting them out. You get one life, live it happy, don't waste your time with those who aren't positive influences in your life.
Although i would eat a mince meat pie because meat pies are also delicious. I'm an equal opportunities pie eater.
That is confusing. Mince pies, I don't know doesn't sound gross but doesn't sound delicious either. I'd give it a whirl if the opportunity presented itself.
Me: does Santa do the stockings or do we? Does he do the big gift, or is that from us and he brings a couple smaller things? What if he doesn't bring what she wants? What if he brings other kids big gifts? Etc.
H: she's 2...
We got pbk stockings, and they're huge. I was joking with dd about what we should fill them with and she said, no Santa will put presents in them. So that's settled.
She's also a little scared of Santa coming to our house, so this year he may just send the gifts to me.
Although i would eat a mince meat pie because meat pies are also delicious. I'm an equal opportunities pie eater.
That is confusing. Mince pies, I don't know doesn't sound gross but doesn't sound delicious either. I'd give it a whirl if the opportunity presented itself.
If I'm ever in Philly at Christmastime I'll make you some
My h loves a good mince pie, but I think he actually prefers mince meat pie. I'm still confused on this too, but apparently to him mince pie is all that other stuff, but also with meat. His grandma made one for him last year. She had to get the mince mix from a specific place because they don't all have meat.
I love eggnog, but it does not love me Rather, my body does not love milk products. And almond nog is gross.
I also think many people stress themselves out trying to make christmas magical and memorable for their kids. Or maybe i'm just too breezy and my kid will be in therapy for years over his half arsed christmases
My h loves a good mince pie, but I think he actually prefers mince meat pie. I'm still confused on this too, but apparently to him mince pie is all that other stuff, but also with meat. His grandma made one for him last year. She had to get the mince mix from a specific place because they don't all have meat.
I love eggnog, but it does not love me Rather, my body does not love milk products. And almond nog is gross.
eww, have never had or seen a mince pie with actual meat in it. Gross. At most the mixture has suet in it
My h loves a good mince pie, but I think he actually prefers mince meat pie. I'm still confused on this too, but apparently to him mince pie is all that other stuff, but also with meat. His grandma made one for him last year. She had to get the mince mix from a specific place because they don't all have meat.
I love eggnog, but it does not love me Rather, my body does not love milk products. And almond nog is gross.
Have you tried soy nog? Silk makes an excellent version. We stock up every year. We prefer it because it's not as heavy as regular nog.
I also think many people stress themselves out trying to make christmas magical and memorable for their kids. Or maybe i'm just too breezy and my kid will be in therapy for years over his half arsed christmases
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