Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2007 · 14 comments

Well, here it is, after 7pm 8pm on Christmas Day. The presents have all been unwrapped (although there was a little concern with Preston there for awhile…”Preston? Want to open this one now?”). The toys have been freed from their cardboard and twist tie jail cells and the family room is in shambles. The turkey was made, and eaten. The boys are tired and getting cranky in bed. I can’t keep my eyes open – it’s entirely possible that this week of little sleep has finally caught up to me. That or it’s the turkey. Either way, I am t-i-r-e-d!

Here’s the nutshell version of the last couple of days:

Sunday

Sunday brought was supposed to bring our traditional Christmas get together at my dad’s house. Normally (for my whole life, literally), we go there at noon, eat at one, sit around, finally get the older folks to finish up and then open presents. For the past few years we’ve been opening presents at the tables set up to accomodate all of us. Prior to that, we had been lugging them all down to the basment so there would be “more room”. The thing we haven’t been able to change in regard to space is the place where our annual family picture is taken. Seriously, there are like 15-20 of us every year and every year we squeeze into this tiny little alcove. I would so understand if their house was small – you just make do – but my dad’s house is very large, so it’s just absurd.

Anyway, long story short, it was a very windy day and my dad’s house had no power other than what was created by the generator. No power = no traditional turkey dinner. Luckily, they took my advice and we simply ordered pizza! Because, and here’s the thing that I’ve learned, but apparently he and wife haven’t….it’s the being together that matters! So we had pizza for Christmas. On paper plates (GASP!!) It was nice. 🙂

The presents, however, are always another story. I would say I hate to sound ungrateful, but honestly, I am. And I’m annoyed. See, my dad has a lot of money. They asked repeatedly for a list for the boys. Not only did I give them a list, I gave them a varied list and one for them alone to pick off of. Now, the fact that they never buy Mike or me the exact things on our list has been a sore subject for many years – one that we roll our eyes at, bitch about and then get over until the next year. We were going to even have them skip giving us gifts this year and just buy for the kids, but they insisted on lists from us. So, we gave them lists. Anyway, in a nutshell, my boys got screwed. Listen, I understand my kids have a lot of stuff – they do! But it’s Christmas and they asked for a list!!!!! And I also understand that spending time together is more important than stuff – but my kids, while love playing with their grandparents, are 4 and 2. Let’s be honest. They want toys. Right? AND I am fully understanding that if the budget for the holidays has been pared down to one small gift each, that is perfectly fine! We did a lot of limits this year and no one was bothered by it, least of all my kids. But in this case, the budget isn’t the issue – it’s self-involvement and absurdity.

As to not drag this out forever, let me tell you what my boys got (keeping in mind they are 4 & 2, eh?)

  • A combined gift that they totally wanted: Fisher Price Karaoke where they sing in the mics and see themselves on tv. They love it – great gift!
  • A book of stories about animals / animal shelter / pet adoption written by the local founder of a local animal rescue. Stories. For adults, not little kids. {Dad’s wife spends much time with the rescue, which is great – but the boys neither care, nor appreciate the fact that her name (now underlined) appears in a book they cannot read).
  • A CD of storytellers, from a group that she is affiliated with. We get one every year, never opened one yet. Anyone interested in some stories on CD, let me know (or my brother, or his new stepkids (14/18), or my aunt and uncle…well, you get the idea. And no, she isn’t telling a story on the cd)
  • A Frosted Flakes cereal bowl (after opening, she whispers to me: “They were giving those away at Meijer”) Um, thanks? And just one for both kids? Grrreeeeaaatttt.
  • A die cast car ornament with santa and an elf riding in it. It’s cool, BUT, we were told they bought it last year and forget to give it to them, so they went ahead and saved it for this year.
  • A nice Usborne book that they already have that wasn’t on their list because, hey! They already have it!

And that’s what my boys got.

Here’s my theory on gift-giving. See, I love to give gifts. I love to find that perfect thing for the person I’m buying for – if it’s on their list, SUPER! If it’s not, it’s something that I know THEY will love because I know the person I’m buying for!! I don’t give them books that I like or the perfume I like to wear. I put thought and effort and feeling into presents. And I always, always include a gift receipt!!!

Ok, I’m done. Yes, it was nice to see everyone and yes, we had a nice visit. Next year, maybe we could do it without the presents. Oh, and did I mention that Matt had to ask to open presents and that he was totally ignored!! He’s FOUR people – it’s CHRISTMAS!!!

————–

After that, we went out to dinner with the neighbors. It was nice – the kids had a great time running around, singing and being silly; it was nice to go out with them and have a chance to celebrate a little.

Monday (Christmas Eve)

Christmas Eve day brought my mom, Bo, my brother, his wife and kids over to visit and celebrate. We had a nice time – they boys sang and were generally silly and we all had a chance to visit and just be together.

Later, we went to Mike’s parent’s house and celebrated there. Lots of food, laughter and chatter (and presents up the wazoo!) A good time was had by all – we barely got the kids home before they fell asleep, though!

Mike and I were up until 1:30 doing those Christmas Eve things.

Today (Christmas Day)

Today was great. Matt made some noise early, so I got up to make sure lights were on, music playing, cameras ready and coffee brewing. Almost an hour later, he rolled around again, so I made my move and went into his room. I told him Santa had come, but that if he wanted to sleep a little longer, he could…he was out of his bed in an instant! They had a great morning. Their big, combined gift this year is a marketplace for the playroom. It’s a little wooden store front, complete with cash register and little baskets for the food. We Santa filled up the shelves with the food and it was all ready for shopping when they came down – it’s a big hit and very cool.

We spent the day playing and relaxing and eating. Now the boys are in bed, my pictures are sent to Walgreens for printing, and I’m caught up on this blogging thing. 🙂

Tomorrow I’ll go to work for a little while and then have lunch with my Godmother, whom I never get to see anymore (and some other various people who I do) and then I’ll come hang out with my guys. I’m sure by Thursday our gift cards will be burning holes in our pockets, and we’re do for an IKEA trip as well. And then Saturday brings our last holiday gathering of the year with my mom’s brother’s family. Always a good time there, as well.

How was your Christmas? What’d ya get???

{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

flutter December 25, 2007 at 5:02 pm

sounds like a wonderful time, Dawn. Merry Christmas!

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flutter December 26, 2007 at 12:02 am

sounds like a wonderful time, Dawn. Merry Christmas!

Reply

liv December 26, 2007 at 3:17 am

wow. that was one hell of a holiday wrap up.

here? wow, between the pneumonia (mine) and the out of town surprise guests, we mostly ate, drank, made merry and opened presents.

my best gift? having my little bro and his lady friend here. oh, and one another sweet thing that i\'m not mentioning right now.

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liv December 26, 2007 at 10:17 am

wow. that was one hell of a holiday wrap up.

here? wow, between the pneumonia (mine) and the out of town surprise guests, we mostly ate, drank, made merry and opened presents.

my best gift? having my little bro and his lady friend here. oh, and one another sweet thing that i’m not mentioning right now.

Reply

anniem December 26, 2007 at 4:30 pm

My kids got the Star Station too. That was their big Santa gift. I understand all the annoying family drama, it seems to get worse EVERY SINGLE YEAR!

Reply

Shine December 26, 2007 at 4:42 pm

It\'s too bad they have no clue! You should write a book on those two! Sounds like you guys had a nice holiday despite certain family members!! We had a good couple of days too! Will update my blog hopefully tomorrow!

Reply

Loralee December 26, 2007 at 4:56 pm

Man.

Talk about self-involved gift giving.

Are they like that with all the grandkids or just yours?
I had a grandmother who totally favored her other grandkids because of our religious beliefs and that was more painful than the crap gifts she gave us vs. the other kids.

Reply

anniem December 26, 2007 at 11:30 pm

My kids got the Star Station too. That was their big Santa gift. I understand all the annoying family drama, it seems to get worse EVERY SINGLE YEAR!

Reply

Shine December 26, 2007 at 11:42 pm

It’s too bad they have no clue! You should write a book on those two! Sounds like you guys had a nice holiday despite certain family members!! We had a good couple of days too! Will update my blog hopefully tomorrow!

Reply

Loralee December 26, 2007 at 11:56 pm

Man.

Talk about self-involved gift giving.

Are they like that with all the grandkids or just yours?
I had a grandmother who totally favored her other grandkids because of our religious beliefs and that was more painful than the crap gifts she gave us vs. the other kids.

Reply

amusing December 28, 2007 at 1:51 pm

Fisher Price karaoke — excellent to know! My mother wanted to give my two something like that, but the grown up versions come loaded with all these songs they don\'t know, have never heard, I\'m not sure I want them to hear, and I know I don\'t want to hear….

So I shall investigate

Reply

amusing December 28, 2007 at 8:51 pm

Fisher Price karaoke — excellent to know! My mother wanted to give my two something like that, but the grown up versions come loaded with all these songs they don’t know, have never heard, I’m not sure I want them to hear, and I know I don’t want to hear….

So I shall investigate

Reply

Patty H December 30, 2007 at 1:11 pm

Okay – here\'s a book!

I can sooo totally relate, Dawn! My dad and stepmom live about 3 miles away. We only get together maybe 2 to 3 times a year. My dad doesn\'t talk about much in particular – he doesn\'t get into our business or anything like that. My stepmom, on the other hand, proceeds to get involved in everyone\'s business. She\'s a martyr and everything is about her and what she does for everyone else and her sacrifices.

They came over the day after Christmas and they waited until 9:00 at night to come. She normally mopes around the house and can barely get out and do anything (so my dad does it all) but for some reason she\'s unusually peppy. My dad is tired and she keeps him up until 1:00-2:00 in the morning for several days before Christmas all because her days and nights are turned around.

Anyhoo, she always complains that we never come see her and she doesn\'t get to see Hannah but all she does it talk about herself when we are together. She never even talks to Hannah about what she\'s been doing or what she likes – basically shows no interest. If I have a little sniffle then she\'s had the flu for 10 days straight. If someone stubs their toe on the coffee table then she launches into a story about the time she nearly broke her whole foot. Clearly you can see why I steer clear. I don\'t want her ways to grow on Hannah. I never let her stay overnight or have them babysit her. If Chris\' mom can\'t babysit then we just don\'t do it since I don\'t have any other decent family members nearby.

She\'s so self-centered that it just sends my brain in a tailspin trying not to be rude to her! So she usually buys all the kids a little something but as we grew up and even now, she always buys way more for her kids and grandkids as opposed to what she buys for us (me and my brother) and our kids. I have taught Hannah not to expect anything from her so she\'s not disappointed with what she gets. She gave her a little mouse figurine from the Charming Tails – Hat\'s Off to Fun Collection. It\'s very cute and it\'s the 3rd one she\'s given her but how much does an 8 year old care about them? She also gave her one of those little miniature bottles of perfume – White Diamonds (my stepmom\'s favorite) – and you can tell it\'s old because the gold top on it looks like it has \"rusty\" spots. She proceeded to tell me that all the kids got the same – no more, no less – but they spent hours wrapping gifts. I told her we expect nothing so it doesn\'t matter to us if we get anything. But she wants us to gush about the gifts she gives us because every little knick knack she has means so much to her and she wants us to feel the same way. I have some things that mean a lot to me but I can\'t hang on to a little jar candle that she bought on a trip to the beach 15 years ago because she thinks it should be special to me.

Anyway, I hope the boys learn not to expect anything great from her and if they do get more unwanted stuff – regift it or donate it!
Thankfully, my MIL and my husband\'s stepmom always ask what Hannah would like and they get her those things. His stepmom usually picks out neat things for Hannah even though she lives in New York and only sees her once every 2 or 3 years. Some people are just more considerate of the gifts they give to others.

Hope you have a wonderful New Year and sorry for writing so much!!

Reply

Patty H December 30, 2007 at 8:11 pm

Okay – here’s a book!

I can sooo totally relate, Dawn! My dad and stepmom live about 3 miles away. We only get together maybe 2 to 3 times a year. My dad doesn’t talk about much in particular – he doesn’t get into our business or anything like that. My stepmom, on the other hand, proceeds to get involved in everyone’s business. She’s a martyr and everything is about her and what she does for everyone else and her sacrifices.

They came over the day after Christmas and they waited until 9:00 at night to come. She normally mopes around the house and can barely get out and do anything (so my dad does it all) but for some reason she’s unusually peppy. My dad is tired and she keeps him up until 1:00-2:00 in the morning for several days before Christmas all because her days and nights are turned around.

Anyhoo, she always complains that we never come see her and she doesn’t get to see Hannah but all she does it talk about herself when we are together. She never even talks to Hannah about what she’s been doing or what she likes – basically shows no interest. If I have a little sniffle then she’s had the flu for 10 days straight. If someone stubs their toe on the coffee table then she launches into a story about the time she nearly broke her whole foot. Clearly you can see why I steer clear. I don’t want her ways to grow on Hannah. I never let her stay overnight or have them babysit her. If Chris’ mom can’t babysit then we just don’t do it since I don’t have any other decent family members nearby.

She’s so self-centered that it just sends my brain in a tailspin trying not to be rude to her! So she usually buys all the kids a little something but as we grew up and even now, she always buys way more for her kids and grandkids as opposed to what she buys for us (me and my brother) and our kids. I have taught Hannah not to expect anything from her so she’s not disappointed with what she gets. She gave her a little mouse figurine from the Charming Tails – Hat’s Off to Fun Collection. It’s very cute and it’s the 3rd one she’s given her but how much does an 8 year old care about them? She also gave her one of those little miniature bottles of perfume – White Diamonds (my stepmom’s favorite) – and you can tell it’s old because the gold top on it looks like it has “rusty” spots. She proceeded to tell me that all the kids got the same – no more, no less – but they spent hours wrapping gifts. I told her we expect nothing so it doesn’t matter to us if we get anything. But she wants us to gush about the gifts she gives us because every little knick knack she has means so much to her and she wants us to feel the same way. I have some things that mean a lot to me but I can’t hang on to a little jar candle that she bought on a trip to the beach 15 years ago because she thinks it should be special to me.

Anyway, I hope the boys learn not to expect anything great from her and if they do get more unwanted stuff – regift it or donate it!
Thankfully, my MIL and my husband’s stepmom always ask what Hannah would like and they get her those things. His stepmom usually picks out neat things for Hannah even though she lives in New York and only sees her once every 2 or 3 years. Some people are just more considerate of the gifts they give to others.

Hope you have a wonderful New Year and sorry for writing so much!!

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