Ungrateful sods
Discussion
Sorry about this, but I need a quick rant. I've spent about £100 on my sister's family this Christmas; George Forman grill for him and her (as requested), plus a couple of items each for the kids. I've spoken to my mum this morning, and apparently my sister has been moaning about what we've got her. Apparently it's not enough.
Every year I tell people not to spend a lot on me, because they won't get a lot back. I know she's spent more on my family, but I didn't think that was the point of Christmas.
Frankly, my Council Tax alone is almost as much as my sister pays in rent on her council house (which is in a very posh rural area, I might add). I thought people like her had it hard, but now I've realised that it's people like me who have it hard. People who don't get everything paid for. People who have to pay more for everything, and out of their own pocket.
They were talking about buying a Mitsubishi pickup truck (new) when I was last there. And there's me making do with a 1.0 Micra. What the f**k is the incentive to work hard, when I could get a low paid manual/office job and have a better lifestyle?
I've a good mind to give her an earbashing about what it means to work for a living, but I know it'll go in one ear and out of the other. In her mind, I'm the rich IT bod with pockets that overflow with money. I flippin' wish!
Every year I tell people not to spend a lot on me, because they won't get a lot back. I know she's spent more on my family, but I didn't think that was the point of Christmas.
Frankly, my Council Tax alone is almost as much as my sister pays in rent on her council house (which is in a very posh rural area, I might add). I thought people like her had it hard, but now I've realised that it's people like me who have it hard. People who don't get everything paid for. People who have to pay more for everything, and out of their own pocket.
They were talking about buying a Mitsubishi pickup truck (new) when I was last there. And there's me making do with a 1.0 Micra. What the f**k is the incentive to work hard, when I could get a low paid manual/office job and have a better lifestyle?
I've a good mind to give her an earbashing about what it means to work for a living, but I know it'll go in one ear and out of the other. In her mind, I'm the rich IT bod with pockets that overflow with money. I flippin' wish!
Witchfinder said:
apparently my sister has been moaning about what we've got her
Cheeky moo's opened her presents early to check price tags?
Next year make her a "lovely" vase in pottery class and explain its a priceless one-off filled with love and the milk of human kindness.
silly cow
>> Edited by pdV6 on Monday 19th December 09:18
Well if what you have got her is not enough for her, then I suggest that next year you get her and her hubby nothing and get the kids a cheap selection box each. Then as and when you do decide that she has learnt the lesson (ie be grateful for what you are given) then you can think about maybe buying her a small something next time.
I got so sick of attitudes and ungrateful people that I just don't both with them anymore (my brother and sister) they get something small of my kids and that's it, they don't usually get a card off me, I refuse to spend money on people that don't deserve it.
I got so sick of attitudes and ungrateful people that I just don't both with them anymore (my brother and sister) they get something small of my kids and that's it, they don't usually get a card off me, I refuse to spend money on people that don't deserve it.
Oddly it seems to be the people who have least (in theory) that splash out at Christmas. Perhaps it is a materialistic thing: they measure strength of love by the size of the gift because this is the only time of year that they feel able to be generous?
I have switched now to buying only for the kids and just geting a bottle of wine for the parents.
I have switched now to buying only for the kids and just geting a bottle of wine for the parents.
Tell her that if she doesn't like it, tough.
Its not as if you've asked her to spend so much on your family.
My view is that I give what I can afford, if thats more than the other person so be it. I certainly wouldn't expect them to spend an equivilent amount on me.
My wife asked our 10 year old nephew what he wanted - he said cash.
When it comes to presents, unless its from my parents, I hate to receive cash and hate giving it even more.
I'd rather spend £100 on a present than give a lesser amount in cash.
We told nephew that if he insisted on cash he wasn't going to get a present from us this year.
We actually picked up a white PSP for him yesterday so he's in for a surprise next Sunday.
>> Edited by vee on Monday 19th December 09:43
Its not as if you've asked her to spend so much on your family.
My view is that I give what I can afford, if thats more than the other person so be it. I certainly wouldn't expect them to spend an equivilent amount on me.
My wife asked our 10 year old nephew what he wanted - he said cash.
When it comes to presents, unless its from my parents, I hate to receive cash and hate giving it even more.
I'd rather spend £100 on a present than give a lesser amount in cash.
We told nephew that if he insisted on cash he wasn't going to get a present from us this year.
We actually picked up a white PSP for him yesterday so he's in for a surprise next Sunday.
>> Edited by vee on Monday 19th December 09:43
There is only one solution to this.
Come Christmas day tell her you have another present for her.
Wrap your foot in Christmas paper and watch her eagerly rip it open assuming that her via-mum whinging has paid off.
Upon seeing her confusion at unwrapping your foot watch the puzzlement turn to pain as you hoof her one in the
whilst screeching Merry Christmas.
Good Luck
>> Edited by blindswelledrat on Monday 19th December 10:09
Come Christmas day tell her you have another present for her.
Wrap your foot in Christmas paper and watch her eagerly rip it open assuming that her via-mum whinging has paid off.
Upon seeing her confusion at unwrapping your foot watch the puzzlement turn to pain as you hoof her one in the
whilst screeching Merry Christmas. Good Luck
>> Edited by blindswelledrat on Monday 19th December 10:09
pdV6 said:
apparently my sister has been moaning about what we've got her
Cheeky moo's opened her presents early to check price tags?
Next year make her a "lovely" vase in pottery class and explain its a priceless one-off filled with love and the milk of human kindness.
silly cow
I'm getting some hand knitted socks and am well chuffed.
I reckon the labour going into them would be worth about £5/600. Anyone want some cut price socks? Size nines and yours for only £300. C'mon, I'm losing a bundle on this.
my wifes family are very materialistic at x-mas - the comment that the the amount of money spend is proportional to how much you like someone is very pertinent. Everyone does x-mas lists where the cheapest items are £70 or so. If they don't get what they want then they let everyone know their displeasure. It spoils x-mas for me to the point that I do my best to avoind spending x-mas with them. Strangely, during the rest of the year they are completely different & would condemn their behaviour if they could see it in themselves.
vee said:
My wife asked our 10 year old nephew what he wanted - he said cash.
He must be mates with the half dozen carol singers that knocked on my door last night.
I stood on the door step for what seemed like an eternity whilst they screetched 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' after which one of them stuck out a grubby paw.
He looked at £1 coin in his hand that I'd given him and said, "Is that all?"
I didn't quite hear what he said after I'd taken the quid back from his hand and shut the door in his face
Don't get me started on carol singers. Every year some grotty little chavs turn up on the doorstep and pathetically bleat Away In A Manger at me, while looking like they'd rather be anywhere else. And then they're surprised when I ask if they're taking the piss.
Fools.
As for presents, my family's rubbish if you're measuring the quality by cost, but great at thinking what I'd like. Personal is always better than expensive.
Fools.
As for presents, my family's rubbish if you're measuring the quality by cost, but great at thinking what I'd like. Personal is always better than expensive.
vee said:
Tell her that if she doesn't like it, tough.
Its not as if you've asked her to spend so much on your family.
My view is that I give what I can afford, if thats more than the other person so be it. I certainly wouldn't expect them to spend an equivilent amount on me.
My wife asked our 10 year old nephew what he wanted - he said cash.
When it comes to presents, unless its from my parents, I hate to receive cash and hate giving it even more.
I'd rather spend £100 on a present than give a lesser amount in cash.
We told nephew that if he insisted on cash he wasn't going to get a present from us this year.
We actually picked up a white PSP for him yesterday so he's in for a surprise next Sunday.
>> Edited by vee on Monday 19th December 09:43
Where did you get a white PSP from, I thought they weren't released in the UK yet? Import?
Kentish said:
My wifes side always give a list of things they'd like, good idea really as everyone gets something they actually want, items aren't expensive but there is a range depending on what you'd like to spend.
It works for weddings, so why not for any occasion?
sorry - my post sounds like I am anti lists which I'm not for the reasons you state above.
What I am against is that they expect to get everything on a list consisting of a number of expensive items rather than a range of items to suit all pockets. If they don't get it then they can be ungracious enough to make sure you know it! Fortunately my wife has been cured of this!
Witchfinder said:
I thought people like her had it hard, but now I've realised that it's people like me who have it hard. People who don't get everything paid for. People who have to pay more for everything, and out of their own pocket.!
you've only just realised this?! it's quite depressing once you get into their mindset. best not bother with presents for people like this - ruins the whole meaning of xmas.
one of my presents this year, for a girl (i'm totally bessoted with), was my old mobile phone (old = cost £250 12 months ago) which i carefully re-boxed. she was delighted with it. she's self-employed designer and this means alot to her.
I think that people just tend to get carried away at Christmas.
My sister has 3 kids and we have 2. We discuss it every year on the phone to make sure we are agreed and only buy for the kids. We also have a limit of around £15 each for them. It doesn't mean I don't love my nieces and nephew, but Christmas is expensive enough, and taking into account the amount they get from other family we just don't see the need to go stupid.
Next year I'd give her
all. I think she's bang out of order TBH
I've bought 2 presents for a special friend this year. Just waiting for the opportunity to give them. They're small and inexpensive but I think they will be appreciated
I believe the saying is that it's the thought that counts!!
>> Edited by shaw-cross shark on Monday 19th December 14:19
My sister has 3 kids and we have 2. We discuss it every year on the phone to make sure we are agreed and only buy for the kids. We also have a limit of around £15 each for them. It doesn't mean I don't love my nieces and nephew, but Christmas is expensive enough, and taking into account the amount they get from other family we just don't see the need to go stupid.
Next year I'd give her
all. I think she's bang out of order TBH I've bought 2 presents for a special friend this year. Just waiting for the opportunity to give them. They're small and inexpensive but I think they will be appreciated
I believe the saying is that it's the thought that counts!!
>> Edited by shaw-cross shark on Monday 19th December 14:19
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