Originally Posted by
hbridge
I have decided why I don't like this time of year...
I HATE doing everyone's shopping. Grandparents and family ask for lists, my DC have few wants. At the moment there is one thing on each of their lists and one set of grandparents were supposed to get it for a birthday that has passed (who knows if they will actually give it to DC or not). Then the family is SO disappointed since they all want a to buy the kids what they want and they want very little. I am asked constantly, the kids are asked constantly and are completely stressed because they feel like they HAVE to want things and they just don't.
Then, my parents also want lists from DH and I. DH is good with giving a list of EXACTLY what he wants. I don't have many wants or needs and certainly don't have the time to create a detailed list just to give a list. I give ideas and guidance for me, but that's it. If there are brands I prefer, I list them. My mother has already sent me links to pans she owns so I can chose from there instead of buying new. Then mom just called to say she went all over to find the few Nautica brand pj's left in creation so I would have them for Christmas. I don't wear Nautica, they don't fit, they were not on my list of brands (I listed four brands that are EASY to find). Now I feel guilty and she is upset because she spent days going all over town for what I WANTED.
My mother questions EVERY item on everyone's list. Even toys the kids may want, she calls and talks about the negative Amazon reviews and how she doesn't want to purchase the item. Then says she needs more ideas...
DD wanted a certain pair of PJ's for her birthday, she even chose the color. My mother called FOUR times to say she didn't like the color DD picked out and didn't want to buy them for her. When I tell her to pick what she wants, she gets mad since she wants to get DD what she wants. UGH!
It's too much stress for me. I give ideas that they don't follow or don't like and I'm the "bad guy". The kids are "so sweet" since they are not interested in "consumerism", yet I'm the bad guy since I can't tell them what DC's want for the holidays.....
OMG I was just talking to my sister about EXACTLY this issue. Our parents want a long list of the perfect gifts for the kids, but the kids don't want much... so it feels like so much pressure. Every year.
I have tried suggesting the 'experience' gift and my parents have yet to take me up on it. I bet GCs would be a no-go too.
Jen, mom to "Little Miss Tiny" 4/07