Just a reminder about IL's, Parents, and Gifts

[MommyKelly]

Please remember that the gifts are just "stuff". The time you and your children spend with them in priceless. Please dont ruin your precious time with these people by your unhappiness over gifts.

I lost my Father when I was 17. My children never knew him. I buried my Mother 4 years ago. My older children talk about her and miss her daily,My younger ones will never know her.

DH's Mom abandoned him when he was 16 for some guy she met. He has never known his father until a few years ago, and he turned out to be best left unknown.

Our children dont get to go to Grandmas to open presents, no matter used, new,plastic, or knit. They will never have those memories.

So please do not ruin your childrens with pettiness.

[Latte Mama]

for you and a big . Toys are just stuff. Stuff can't compare to people, LOVED ONES. My Dad died when I was 13 and DH's dad died in 2002. We both have our moms and we're glad for that. I had no grandparents growing up.

People, that's what matters.

[BrittneyMarie]

people need to be reminded of this. thank you, op!

[Hoopin' Mama]

n/m

[MommyKelly]

Originally Posted by Hoopin' Mama

My Mother died when ds was 1. My Dad has alzheimers. Dh's father was downright mean.

That doesn't mean my concern about piles of stuff overwhelming my child is petty.

ETA: I totally agree -- people are what matters and I hope to convey that to my child.

I read you post where you said "Before they got here I spent some time talking to ds about how Christmas was really about spending time with family."

Which I think is great, and exactly what I was talking about as what we should teach our children.

I am talking more about the " The gifts were used, not good enough, not what I told them to get them" type of posts.

[Hoopin' Mama]

Originally Posted by MommyKelly

I read you post where you said "Before they got here I spent some time talking to ds about how Christmas was really about spending time with family."

Which I think is great, and exactly what I was talking about as what we should teach our children.

I am talking more about the " The gifts were used, not good enough, not what I told them to get them" type of posts.

I know, I'm sorry, I deleted my post because i was being defensive.

I'm all about counting my blessings Really I am.

And Happy Holidays!!

[KimberlyD0]

So very very true. We all need to be more greatful for what we do have.

[azmomtoone]

Couldn't have said it better!!

Thank you for posting!!

[pauletoy]

Thank you for posting this!!!!!!!!

I lost my dad last year and I would give anything in the world for him to be here to give my kids even just a sack of rocks!

[pauletoy]

One more thing: As Suzy Orman says, "People first then things!"

[just_lily]

Totally agree.

[AllyRae]

So very true!!! I'm very glad someone started this thread....what a great reminder for everyone. It's not about the stuff...it's about the people.

[momasana]

Yep.

[goodygumdrops]

What a wonderful post!!!