Am I completely unreasonable?!

Cloister

Wow,

There really are some horrible people in families.

We don't have much money but everyone has agreed to buy just for the kids this year, both my siblings and their families are much better off but they totally understand and although it makes them feel tight not to buy for myself and my DW we would feel more comfortable that way and none of the children lose out.

It makes me angry that people expect this and are unreasonable when you tell them you just can't do it.

I like the suggestion to ignore the text and when they buy the presents act surprised. but It's really not on at all and no you're not being unreasonable in the slightest.

I will say though Kids should get presents IMO, but it doesn't need to be expensive, just to show you care.

boombap

Just of of sheer curiosity - what is it they've asked for? Not that I'd suggest you buy it of course!

S

ameliarate

Christmas really gets on my nerves.

I liked it when the kids were little and we went to the church services and they believed in Santa etc but now I just find it hard work.

In our family we have an approximate budget that we all stick to and only really buy for close family and really good friends. I certainly wouldn't be spending £30 per child and I certainly wouldn't be letting someone buy their own and then paying.

Sailor_Sam

"GYMFIE





"Gymfiend" Where do you live?
What is your real name ? Are we related ?

That is the sort of message one of my sisters would send !

miserly_mum

If I don't like someone but have to buy them something I get great pleasure buying something I know they'll get no use or pleasure from. In my sis in law's case it'd be a book or soap

gymfiend

Squee - I don't even know what I'm being asked for! Basically the mother is going to buy gifts for herself & offspring then bill us!

My mind is made up now that I'm certain I aren't a mean witch - they will be getting whatever rubbish I can find in the £ shop - and I'll give it with a sense of glee

Norma_Desmond

gymfiend wrote: »

Squee - I don't even know what I'm being asked for! Basically the mother is going to buy gifts for herself & offspring then bill us!

My mind is made up now that I'm certain I aren't a mean witch - they will be getting whatever rubbish I can find in the £ shop - and I'll give it with a sense of glee

Good for you! Though I'd go a step further and actually buy one gift for the whole materialistic lot of them - a nice cow for an African village, or maybe 'adopt' a child for a year from a war-torn country.
It's actually not expensive - I did it one Christmas to the in-laws and we were never 'hassled' again.

Horace

Gymfiend - are you sure the step family aren't related to Russell Brand as it sounds like one of his sick jokes:rolleyes:

How dare they tell you what to spend - do as others have suggested and buy a family present, a cow sounds like a good one, or if things are really tight how about a box of biscuits (drop the tin on the floor several times to ensure that they are well and truly broken):rotfl:

They have got a ruddy cheek if you ask me and should be grateful for what they receive.

kazwookie

Yes a charity animal for the less well off in other countries, I 'think' you can buy a cow, goat, sheep, hens, etc so the family has produce from said animal they can barter with, when the animal reproduces, they then sell off the new born, again getting money to help them.

Get a gift like that, and tell the OH's family to do one!

Pssst

Dream on..that is downright rude and smacks of the ugliest kind of materialsim. Tell them that you are having to cut back this year and as such are going to have a more traditional and spiritual Christmas...