Can you believe this !!

I would first like to say the presents are way over the top, I have 4 grandchildren in Australia, every year my daughter in law posts a picture on facebook of all their gifts under and around the tree, I always think it`s about, look what MY children are getting.
My birthday is 26th December, my son, New Years day, my daughter 3rd January, so it was not financially possible to buy a more expensive gift for birthdays, I wrapped all their gifts I had accumulated, then took away approximately half for their birthdays, then they had a nice lot of presents for both events.
We also bought them anything that was needed for summer play, new bike, roller boots, whatever, once the weather improved, knowing in our heads it was part of their birthday gift.

 

You don`t like the Daily Mail then clueless, you post this every time anyone mentions/quotes it.

 

Aah, the idea was there then, just didn't get as far as I planned to

 

You say its not possible to buy a more financially expensive gift for birthdays but if its a new bike that is what i would call a more financially expensive birthday gift so you do what we do just at the same time of year.

We would never get a bike as an xmas gift but that is a birthday gift if that makes sense.

Part of my xmas presents this year is my imac because mine broke and the day after my mum had bought my xmas gifts annoyingly lol so it will also be my birthday gift and probably next years xmas gift too and maybe next birthday we will see lol

 

The adults in my family do not exchange gifts. I do not buy my adult sons gifts. I get books and put money in them for my grandchildren. The reason I buy books is because greeting cards cost almost as much, get tossed the next day and don't teach them anything. The books, I hope, will get saved for years. I also don't keep up with the latest fashions or toys so money is the safest bet and most welcome gift I can come up with. Oldest grandson asked for the book "Moonwalking with Einstein". Interesting to see how he's growing up. (grandkids are from 5 to 23 years of age ) oh my, reading that, I realize, I am an old cow

 

I guess the question is--what is the parents goal of what the child should ultimately be as an adult. My answer is: a socially appropriate valued member of the community. In this case the children will exhibit shallow minded self centered tendencies. But hey, it all makes the world go around.

 

My husbands family, only gave gifts to those who were under 18. But my mother-in-law and father-in-law would give money gifts to the adults. I recall my young nephews, after opening up their gifts would set them aside and play with our GSD the balance of the evening.
As far as my family, we only gave each other one gift each. The idea of a pile of them under the tree was very new to me, until one day in my early 20's saw that in someones house, totally floored by it.

 

It's not quite true that I don't like the daily mail. I dislike it as an unbiased, informative news source, but I thoroughly love it for its comedy value.

It's like the crazy bloke in the pub. Every pub has one. It's the bloke that hears half a tale on the grapevine, says he was there when it happened, then massively exaggerates it beyond all reason, but keeps a straight face when he tells it. All local pubs have such a bloke, but we can't always get to the pub, so the daily mail serves as a convenient substitute.

 

What I meant was they didn`t get that in Dec/Jan, it was bought later. After Easter probably as that`s when weather starts to improve.

 

Oh sorry my bad :-)

 

@pamsdish - I've just read the article that Victoria found and it is a classic example of the shoddy reporting by the DailyFail that @clueless1 alludes to.
The facts as reported were she gets £1290 per month in benefits (including housing benefit of £444). Allow £100pm for utilities, £250pm for groceries and £250pm savings.
So 1290 - 444 - 100 - 250 - 250 leaves just under £250 per month for "her luxury lifestyle, which includes designer outfits, holidays abroad, clubbing, lunches out"!
So once again the Daily Mail has missed the true story in the interests of headlines. The true story is how does she afford all the extras in her "luxury lifestyle"?

I should point out that I am a strong believer in the welfare state for those who find themselves in need of it. However, these parasites who abuse it make my blood boil.

 

Obviously she shouldn't have skimped on the tree.

Did anyone see that prog on TV, where they spent £250,000 on decorations and would only be spending 36 hrs at the place at most during Christmas, if they bother to turn up, that is.
I think they had two Bentleys on the present list.

That's why I dont bother anymore.
Christmas is boring.