TOTALLY GEEKED!

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Dear Abby: Grandma gets no Regard

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

I would just keep all the gifts and then wait till you see them in person and give the gifts to the child then. She can then watch him open them. We do that in our family. We often don't see some of our relatives until Easter. And, the kids get the fun of opening some Christmas gifts on Easter. Now, it is kind of a tradition. Why not do that?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
I would just keep all the gifts and then wait till you see them in person and give the gifts to the child then. She can then watch him open them. We do that in our family. We often don't see some of our relatives until Easter. And, the kids get the fun of opening some Christmas gifts on Easter. Now, it is kind of a tradition. Why not do that?

I guess that would limit not only what you buy buy where you buy it. How awkward would it be to open a sweater in April? And most stores have a 90 day return policy so if they didn't like it they would not be able to return it. Unless I am not understanding what you are suggesting.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Well, yes, you aren't going to give a sweater in April but so what? You just plan accordingly. We think it is kind of fun. And, it addresses what Grandma really wants, which is to have the joy of them opening the gift. And, yeah, if I am not going to give the gift till April, then I am not going to buy it in November. I will buy it in April but we wrap it in Christmas paper or birthday paper, etc.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Flip side:
Dear Abby,
I grew up with an over bearing mother. She always commanded attention. Finally, when I reached adulthood I move across the country, met the love of my life and started a family. I rarely see my mother due to her princess attitude and self centered ways. She is constantly sending the kids gifts and demands a phone call or video call every time. I am tired of this blackmail toward my kids. What can I do? Should I ignore her demands?

FNW · Guru

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Well, yes, you aren't going to give a sweater in April but so what? You just plan accordingly. We think it is kind of fun. And, it addresses what Grandma really wants, which is to have the joy of them opening the gift. And, yeah, if I am not going to give the gift till April, then I am not going to buy it in November. I will buy it in April but we wrap it in Christmas paper or birthday paper, etc.

Oh yes, how fun to open a clothing item that no longer fits, too. Kids sometimes have growth spurts, and waiting six months can make a difference.

The child should not have to wait to open their gifts until the gift giver is present. I think that's just mean. Kids can't wait for presents on their birthday and Christmas. They look forward to it all year. I would not make them wait until Easter.

I like Abby's advice.

Personally, I never opened my grandparents gifts in front of them when I was a little older because they were usually..well...not good. While I would never tell them that, I think my parents were afraid I could not feign joy.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

I like Abby's advice. But honestly it sounds to me like her kids don't care. Maybe there's some back story there. I don't know. But parent's should be teaching their kids to be kind and thankful for gifts. The least the grand kids should be doing is to call the grand parents and say thank you.