Well, I guess they would call. We only go there once every other year. Sigh. It's a wonder we didn't turn out like that. I mean. How did that happen? And your sisters aren't like that either -- so far I'm the *only* one that made it out of the squalor.
Byron and I were talking about something similar recently. When my mother was little her family was very poor as her dad was an alcoholic. The Salvation Army Boys and Girls club took mom and her brothers to a warehouse and let them each pick out a gift for their dad and step mom. That made a lasting impression on her, she was grateful and always remembered their kindness.
Byron and I use to volunteer with a group that worked with Salvation Army Boys and Girls club each Christmas to provide the same opportunity. But those kids were so ungrateful. They tried to buy gifts for themselves instead. They complained and argued with us. And after we took them shopping we took them back to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls home where 50 of them received new bikes with helmets and protective gear. And the remaining kids were given toys. And these brats complained about the toys.
Wow, new bikes! I would have complained about that. Most of my christmases had toys from tots underneath the tree. Often times those were the only gifts, and I rarely ever got birthday gifts. Maybe that's why I don't think birthday's aren't that big of deal (at least for me).
Ugh ... how frustrating. I would just ignore their requests and buy them something practical. If they seem disappointed then too bad. It's about the intent of the gift, not the gift ...right?
Sigh. It's just that I've done that for the last ... well since I moved out. With the exception of my Mom's dvd player (which target was out of) I just did it. I have some other things I collected over the year at garage sales that I will give them too.
I feel like deep down it's not just the gift but the excitement of the visit and the unknown and .... I don't know. I guess I start to feel like there is a lot of pressure for us to make them all happy for one day. Or a few hours. I gotta stop thinking that.
I'm sorry...ugh..That would be really frustrating. I am with Sassy..Just buy them something practical. How annoying, though. Hopefully they'll appreciate whatever you get them.
Well I caved and just got them what they wanted. It is like the first time I am doing that. It's a good thing that they only get xmas every other year.
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Byron and I use to volunteer with a group that worked with Salvation Army Boys and Girls club each Christmas to provide the same opportunity. But those kids were so ungrateful. They tried to buy gifts for themselves instead. They complained and argued with us. And after we took them shopping we took them back to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls home where 50 of them received new bikes with helmets and protective gear. And the remaining kids were given toys. And these brats complained about the toys.
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I feel like deep down it's not just the gift but the excitement of the visit and the unknown and .... I don't know. I guess I start to feel like there is a lot of pressure for us to make them all happy for one day. Or a few hours. I gotta stop thinking that.
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Maybe next time, though, tell them, "I'm looking for gift ideas for you guys in the X to Y price range."
And if they don't thank you or seem appreciative...don't get them anything at all next time.
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