What do you think?

Nebb · December 2009

My dad just called me to offer to not open any of his gifts this christmas, so that I could return them and keep the money. He said since im unemployed, I need the money, even though I assured him our finances were in order.

He followed that up by saying that money is tight for him and my younger brother (who works) so they are going light this christmas. Apparently my brothers gift to him is that he will talk his mother into returning most of his christmas gifts so she can keep the money for herself.

Who thinks im NOT getting anything for christmas, and this was my dads way of making himself not feel bad when he is opening his gifts and im opening nothing?

Im almost 98% certain. (not that it entirely matters, but he could have mentioned this months ago when I was talking about christmas gifts).

thesuninherhead · December 2009

It sounds that way to me! that said, perhaps you should take him up on the offer- return the gifts and give him some of your baking or something instead so that he feels better about the situation?

ootmother2 · December 2009

Bad timing on your dad's part.

I understand hard times but as you said, this should have been discussed quite a while ago

Nebb · December 2009

I dont think i CAN really, without getting dinged. I ordered him a book online, so I would have to pay to ship it back which would almost make it pointless, i would save like 8$ at best. The other stuff I got him is food type of stuff (specialty penut butters and dips) and i cant see anywhere on the receipt or the website a return policy. It is also a 20min drive there and back and I am not remotely interested in driving out there.

I wish he had of just said so before sending me TWO christmas lists.

thesuninherhead · December 2009

Well, in that case, just tell him that they can't be returned but not to worry about it, I guess.

Terrible timing, but there's not a lot you can really do.

Nebb · December 2009

I like giving gifts. He sort of made it seem like i was just doing it out of obligation but ive had most this stuff planned out since August. I just feel like its going to be so awkward when he gets here. Uugh.

tidetravel · December 2009

That really sucks. Maybe he thought he could swing it, but realized too late that he just can't. We talked w/ the ILs last weekend and we're skipping presents with DH's side this year because no one could really afford it. It was hard to talk about - I don't think anyone likes to admit that they can't afford christmas, especially if it's an important tradition in the family. I've told my family that we can't do Christmas this year either, but I know they're getting us gifts even though I told them that we can't. It KILLS me that we're going to go over there empty handed.

We do have an excuse, with the baby and all, but truthfully, I don't think we could have done gifts anyway the way this year has been. I'm the person that gets my shopping done and presents wrapped by the weekend after Thanksgiving. I don't have anything to wrap. This Christmas sucks.

thesuninherhead · December 2009

Aww Tide. You have a very exciting Christmas gift of your own though- and I'm sure everyone will forgive you for arriving empty handed given you have the gorgeous little Taryn with you. Try not to feel bad- at the moment many people are having financial difficulties.

Nebb · December 2009

Tide, I know what you mean. I think some people genuinly enjoy picking out gifts people will enjoy and giving them, it makes christmas enjoyable. Im all about the gifts (ill admit giving AND recieving). My husband was unemployed last christmas and we couldnt afford presents and I was really upset because I enjoy that kind of thing.

Next year will be better, and just think of the way christmas will change for you now, having a baby. I think christmas with a kid would just be so great, just the excitement they have for it (maybe not at 1yr old, but in future years).

skippylouwho · December 2009

Donate the book to a hospital or nursing home. Serve the peanut butters and dips while he is visiting. You don't even have to tell him they were intended for him.

Nebb · December 2009

I think he already knows. The book was shipped to him because I was told at the time of order it wouldnt ship in time for christmas so I sent it to his house... and then it shipped the next day. I had to tell him about it. He doesnt know about the other stuff concretely but I think he might guess i got him that since its the only thing on his list that can be gotten near where I live (and only here).

What do you think?

Re: What do you think?

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