I'm a grandmother to my stepson's 5 kids ages 10-18. I've always gone the extra mile for the grandkids at Christmas because I love to see them happy, but their wish lists contain only expensive things. They're taking advantage of my kindness and I don't get a call or visit showing appreciation all year. Can I stop buying gifts all together to show I don't feel they're entitled?
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If this were me, I would send them a card with $5, and tell them why they are not getting the traditional gift. Tell them that you would love to hear from them, and you feel that they are not doing their part in keeping up the relationship. Things will either change for the better or they will not. In either case, you will know how to act in the future.
My children also started asking for expensive gifts. The gifts were way more than my budget allowed. I gave them the cash equivalent of what I had planned to spend, and told them they could put it towards anything they wanted. They are grown now, and I still continue this tradition.
Christmas is about family and religion, not about gifts. Do not feel any way obligated to become financially stretched or to give gifts that are not appreciated.
It's difficult to treat some grand or great grand children different
from the others who are more appreciative of your generosity.
Out of 8 adult grandchildren only two send "thank you" notes consistently. The others, after piles of money spent and sent-no
acknowledgement in an Email say nothing of a written note.
You and your family will be in my prayers that you find peace, joy, and gratitude for the holidays.
Gifts and the holidays create so much turmoil and angst. Kids ask for expensive items. Adults have limited budgets and want love and time with the family in return. It is a match to a tinderbox in many homes.
This may be the year to have the gift to the family be a special meal you all enjoy together, no gifts, no cell phones, and no controversy involved, with that known up front.
The invitation could read something like "the holidays are about family, gratitude and God. Our gift to you will be a lovely meal on X date at X time at Grammie's house. We can plan to attend mass (before) or (after) the meal.
"Instead of gifts, please bring a simple hand written list of three things for which you feel gratitude and we will share them over dessert."
Maybe this can become a new and loving tradition where everyone wins. God bless you and your family.
My solution to grandchildren not being appreciative of Xmas or any gifts. I make candy or cookies, put in a small gift box with a card. If I'm not going to see them, I send a $5-10 gift card for Starbucks or some store they may like. Sometimes I send nothing. IMO it is important to not do the same thing every year. What or if they get something will be a surprise.
In the same boat! Son and his kids that are teens live far away.. I never even know if they received what I send!! I got tired of asking .. I love doing nice things but some acknowledgment Im alive would be nice. Not even a birthday or Christmas card!! O well
We never know if cards or Christmas gifts are received either. I'm sick of ungrateful kids and grandchildren. I think this year it is going to be a contribution into their College fund that we started for them and that's it!
First of all, I would say that your issue is likely more with your stepson and his partner than with the children. Secondly, I would say that Christmas gifts should not be conditional, they are gifts given in love to celebrate the season. That being said, they also should not be dictated by the children (or even their parents).
I am of the opinion that you should have a conversation with the parents about feeling neglected and then you should give a modest but loving gift to the children with no strings or guilt attached.
I am wishing you and yours a Merry and Loving Christmas.
From your comments it does not appear that your grandchildren live in the same city as you or the conversation may be about no one coming to your house during the holidays.
I agree that you may want to discuss this with your son/daughter but I would wait until after the holidays. This may be better to discuss with your son/daughter in private without the in-law present or maybe they could join the conversation later on. Just be aware that this could turn out to be a little "hostile" and may cause more friction that you expect.
I do not know how much you normally spend for presents but I would suggest giving a gift card if you know their favorite stores or just give $10 with a nice note saying hope this will help you purchase one of the gifts on your list.
Sign it the same as usual and send it with a happy feeling that you are trying to help them understand what you really mean.
I just do not feel that being "ugly" during the holidays is the best solution. Try to work on all of this so maybe next Christmas will be a happier time.
I feel sure that you can get your feelings across to your son/daughter without having to resort to saying things you may regret (but can't take back).
I hope you and your children/grandchildren will have a very blessed Christmas.
I have similar issues with grandchildren. A few years ago, I decided that each year, each grandchild under the age of 18 would receive a savings bond and a book for Christmas and a savings bond for their birthdays. When I get a "wish list", I remind them of this and ask for book titles that they might like. I still don't get thank yous, but I guess at this point I have resigned myself to not expecting them. This is what I feel is reasonable and I'm happy to help them with money for their futures.
I have6 children and spouses and 14 grandchildren ranging from 4-28. I always give everyone pjs as my grandmother always did. Its uncomplicated and appreciated by most. About half of those say thank you. Its not about the gift at Christmas I agree but I do believe its about the respect so this year Im starting to do what Judy suggested and give the great grandson a gift but $5 coffee card to the parents and we will see who says thank you and those that dont wont receive pjs next year only a $5 coffee card. Kindness and respect need to be reciprocated so joy and caring is taught. Merry Christmas
I have spent years of watching my own Mother send gifts to grandchildren(I have no kids, my sibling does) and then her great grandchildren with nary a response, she never receives any cards for birthdays or anything else. Told her to stop putting cash she can ill afford in the birthday and holiday cards she insists on sending. Hasn't changed the way they treat her, but at least it's costing her a lot less being disrespected.....
my grandmother always sent things and i mostly didn't thank her because my parents didn't teach me how.
she also kept calling when i was an adult
she's dead now
it wasn't the gifts themselves, it was knowing that someone was thinking of me
she made me feel loved
sometimes things aren't reciprocal, but our relationship was meaningful to me and i really value that she kept in touch while she was alive
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