This year my inlaws are taking a new approach to the gift giving season. I've already mentioned BIL's declaration of not celebrating with us this year. Now we have a new chapter.
So far several members of my husband's family has provided us with a gift card or cold hard cash and asked us to buy for our boys, wrap it up and put it under the tree from the money giver. When my MIL first proposed this to us I'll admit I was on board. I knew my kids needed some winter clothing and with my knack for finding bargains I figured I could make that money go a long way. We even managed to put the overage into savings for the boys. Since we didn't want them to be totally bummed with getting clothes we added a little toy to each of the boxes as a salve to the jeans, long sleeved shirts and jacket.
Two days ago my SIL called and asked if she could get the boys a gift card. Yeah, that would be great! Then other BIL said he was giving cash. Just dandy. Later when Papa called them and said that we would be getting the boys something small, but nice and putting the rest into savings his sibs were none too thrilled. They wanted something *fun* for the boys.
Alrightee...
Hey folks, it's not like I'm recovering from the week from hell, complete with a trip to urgent care for a nasty case of strep throat. I've lost four days of productivity and I'm feeling it. You feeling *me*? I do not have the time nor the inclination to battle these rabid last-minute shoppers and clearly neither did you since you've put the burden of gift buying on me. I don't mind telling you it adds more stress to the pressure of the season.
So in the frenzied midst of Target this evening while trying to find something "fun" I had a revelation. By God, I'm doing what I want. And what I want is to get the boys something small and put the rest in savings. If they have other ideas as to what my boys should get for Christmas then perhaps they ought not give us the money and buy the gift themselves?
I'm not trying to be a PITA here, really I'm not. I've just made an executive decision regarding my children and I know not everyone will be please. The complaint line forms to the back of room. Please take a number.
The DHW
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4 comments:
Amen, and you are right. Do what you want. They could have had some forethought and shopped two months ago.
so they want the credit, while you do the work?? Uh, no thanks. I would put the money into *my* savings, but that's just me!
Lisa R
ANNNNNNDDDD, people who send Nik money already know that it goes straight to the bank. :)
That's just wrong and I think you are absolutely right to do what you want.
As long as the boys see some benefit from it, now or later, it's your call.
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