Northern California Babies

Same Drama, Different Christmas

I will give him this, at least he asked first.

My father is trying my patience, but I've resigned.  He asked for suggestions for what DC might like for Xmas.  DC hasn't asked for a thing, doesn't want for anything and even refused to write a letter to Santa cause he doesn't have anythign to put on a list. 

So I threw out a Zoo Membership.  Generous (which I know he wants to be so he can brag about it later), useful, and will fit in our small lunchbox of a house.  I added on that DC really likes those plastic animal figures.  Every time we go to the zoo he asks for a different one - what better than to give him a whole set? Right?

I guess I'm wrong.  Father sent along a link to a Playmobile Zoo set, claims it will all fit back in the box when he's done playing.  Like I enjoy seeing stacks and stacks of boxes in my Living Room (our only play area) - not!

It's generous, and I'm extremely grateful for the sentiment, but it's not necessary.  I expressed this to him, but left it open.  He can do what he wants, I surrender.

When do you think I can change my identity so he won't be able to find me come next Christmas?

Re: Same Drama, Different Christmas

  • So is he declining to get the zoo membership at all?  Or is he hoping to replace the plastic animals with a Playmobile set? 

    Like you I'd be annoyed and frustrated.  I'm thankful to you though because it reminds me that while my own parent frustrates me in the gift giving department, at least this year when he asked if something was okay and I said no, he said he'd return it.  Amen.

  • Remind me, isn't your father the one who got your DC the giant train table after you said no?

    As for your current year, I love that you told him a zoo membership. E got that for her bday and we love it. Sorry he is not listening.

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  • He's getting the Zoo Membership, but wants DC to open something fun on the day of... which I get, but wants the playmobile set in addition to the membership.

    The membership would be plenty.  But he insisted.  I suggested a set that's $17.00.

  • So the zoo membership is awesome, and he's just upgrading the animal set - maybe reiterate that the set you suggested is the one he actually likes and you have room for? Good luck!

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  • I get your frustration and that this run ways deeper than what he gets or doesn't get for the little man for Christmas, sucks to not be respected Sad.  Since it sounds like he's not hot for any gifts how would he do with donating it?  Andrew is not cool at all with donating his toys but I do feel like the boys are old enough to get it and have started talking to them about helping other families and children, we're adopting a family this year ect.  Instead of hiding from your dad, at least on this one, I'd happily take everything he wanted to throw at DC and then donate it to a children's charity, homeless shelter that serves women and children ect.  It's kind of like the train table thing, for sure it didn't work for you guys but man can you imagine how much it would enrich some kiddos life in a shelter ect.
  • imagejsugrin:
    I get your frustration and that this run ways deeper than what he gets or doesn't get for the little man for Christmas, sucks to not be respected Sad.  Since it sounds like he's not hot for any gifts how would he do with donating it?  Andrew is not cool at all with donating his toys but I do feel like the boys are old enough to get it and have started talking to them about helping other families and children, we're adopting a family this year ect.  Instead of hiding from your dad, at least on this one, I'd happily take everything he wanted to throw at DC and then donate it to a children's charity, homeless shelter that serves women and children ect.  It's kind of like the train table thing, for sure it didn't work for you guys but man can you imagine how much it would enrich some kiddos life in a shelter ect.

    We have done this in the past and it felt really good to do some good out of a personally bad situation for my family, which is why I've just given up.  He'll get what he gets and we'll decide as a family how to manage it.  The Train Table thing was just so expensive it was really difficult to justify not at least giving him an opportunity to exchange it.  But, as evidenced this year, the price tag doesn't seem to matter to him, so why should it matter to me.

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