(Untitled)

[tabloidscully]

Like most people I know, I'm not even the slightest bit interested in the holiday season. I did purchase gifts for B, the kids, and my siblings' families, but I felt like I was on autopilot. I admit my usual thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for selecting great gifts just wasn't there. Part of it is I never even receive so much as an acknowledgment

Comments

[heartem]

What are you doing on the 26th? Friend Christmas?

[tabloidscully]

I've got both kids, unfortunately, so that's not really going to work. :(

But maybe Thursday?

[seraphprowess]

My work in retail, exposure to other religions, and increased awareness of my own family's social intolerance has dampened my own Xmas spirit. I give my mom and grandma credit for their die-hard enthusiasm bc there will be a tree and dinner when I go home, but I'm also really not looking forward to another instance of the 2 of them telling me that what would make their Christmas perfect is if my sister and I "came back to the Church." So there is give'n'take, and while I don't take what I have for granted, I also envy you for not getting stuck in too confined of an area with judgmental relatives breathing down your neck for several days. I completely support you only buying presents for those who you know for sure will appreciate them

[tabloidscully]

I did actually buy a four-foot tree, and silly Christmas music, and stockings. Screw it. I'm going to give the kids a good Christmas because it's what they deserve.

Thanks, lady. :)

[seraphprowess]

It's not "silly" to buy any of that; it's embracing the season and making sure you (and family) get the holiday you want/deserve. :)

[wikkidraven]

I agree with the above commenter. fuck margie, make your baby's christmas the best thing ever within your budget/space constraints. and then tell everyone how much she enjoyed it, because she is special and loved.

[tabloidscully]

I definitely took this and ran with it. We have a Christmas tree and stockings and Christmas music. We've got really thoughtful gifts for them and Sephie will never have to look back and wonder whether she was worth the effort.

[seraphprowess]

^THIS! :D

[northernwalker]

Think of it this way- you have the chance to create your own family traditions and don't have to do what they want. So institute your special personalized plan.

It does suck that they're bailing on you guys, though. (((hugs))) I'm sorry for L's kids- they aren't getting much of a role model there, or from their grandparents.

[tabloidscully]

I took this to heart and decided to do something REALLY different. We're setting up a tree in Sephie's room, but I bought a special ornament for each of us. I want to continue that as a family tradition--kind of like creating a gigantic charm bracelet around a tree. :)

And I agree about L's kids. They're truly adrift. Their father isn't a very good parent, either. He's not a drug user, but he's a major womanizer, very verbally abusive, and in an apartment with three other adults who also have children. I'd be amazed if L's kids even have their own rooms, or much attention paid to them by their dad.

[northernwalker]

Yay, glad to hear it!

[bestdaywelived]

Give your baby and your stepson the best Christmas that they could ever have at home with you! It has to feel awful that your MIL so obviously favors your METHHEAD SIL, but I am a little jealous of your obligation-free holiday. <3

[tabloidscully]

You probably won't be so jealous when you read my most recent post. :)

Want to know a super-fun fact? I just stumbled across an e-mail where Martyr is already talking about bringing L back into the office. Fresh out of rehab. After she stole over $30,000.

Those idiots deserve the destruction she brings. Seriously.

Still, you're right. They deserve the best Christmas, and so I went all into the spirit.