I don't feel the need to travel to be with family for Christmas. We have stayed home for the last 5 years, just DH and myself, and I plan to continue that with lo. 1: traveling sucks, especially now with a baby. 2: No family drama if you stay home. 3: No guilt in spoiling each other...neither of our families have a lot to spend , and that's fine! We are fortunate to have extra cash and like to splurge. I splurged on family one year and was made to feel like I had done something wrong, so now we just do small gifts for them and over the top for ourselves. (I'm assuming this will be the unpopular portion)
I don't think I should have to spend every holiday doing big get-togethers with my family.
For instance, yesterday my mom told me she has planned stuff for us to do NYE and New Years Day since we're off work. Um... no. I already made plans: stay home with my kids and bf, and relax. I'm not trying to go to church and do all the other stuff she planned.
MIL decided that we should start a holiday tradition of going out and doing different things (sledding, snow snowmobiling, skiing) when LO is a little bigger. No thanks, I'd rather stay at home and be lazy. I always rushed around as a kid on Christmas, from place to place, and I'd rather hang out and let LO play with his toys. Not to mention, I only get Christmas day off during the holiday week.
I think it's crazy to buy gifts for your entire family. Sure it's nice to get presents, but if we bought for just our immediate family and DH's, plus my nieces and nephews, we would need 25 gifts, and that's before buying for LO or each other. Christmas isn't about going broke. Either draw names or donate to a charity and have a nice dinner out together.
Ezra James 08/22/2013 Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies 07/03/2012 08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe or you're all the way grown, my promise to you is you're never alone. You are my angel, my darling, my star...and my love will find you, wherever you are."
I don't understand why the last minute shipping problems with FedEx and UPS is such a big news story. I definitely understand the frustration with paying for a service that you did not receive; get a refund. But, if you waited that long to buy your Christmas presents, that's on you.
"The cleaning, the scrubbing will wait til tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
My husband is from a family of 6 children. We do a Christmas "grab bag" thing where you pick a number and open a gift or swap it. It can be fun.
We are forced to participate via skype. Which, I gotta say, the game is not that fun if you aren't in person. In my family, if you arent present for the festivities, you don't do the grab bag exchange.....
My UO (which is unpopular in their family) is if the gift is supposed to be $25, you spend close to $25. Not UP TO $25, but actually $25. In fact, if you get one of my gifts, since I plan ahead, find coupons or kohls cash to put towards the gifts, you get an even BETTER than $25 gift. I like to put effort into it and try to find the gifts people will want!
All of his adult siblings don't have great jobs which isn't a big deal, but put no thought into the gift. One gift was a paperback of "orange is the new black" and if that family member paid $25. They got ripped off because I saw a copy for $9 at target.
It's just annoying. Why do the exchange if no one cares or puts any thought into it.
But it truly is a lesson that sometimes it is better to give than receive. Like really, I had way more fun picking out a gift and putting thought into it than receiving.
I don't understand why the last minute shipping problems with FedEx and UPS is such a big news story. I definitely understand the frustration with paying for a service that you did not receive; get a refund. But, if you waited that long to buy your Christmas presents, that's on you.
I agree if the purchase was made with *just enough time* to ship for Christmas, but that wasn't the case for a lot of packages. I sent something from md to tx 3 weeks ago and it's still in IL. That's beyond a little delay.
I don't understand why the last minute shipping problems with FedEx and UPS is such a big news story. I definitely understand the frustration with paying for a service that you did not receive; get a refund. But, if you waited that long to buy your Christmas presents, that's on you.
I agree if the purchase was made with *just enough time* to ship for Christmas, but that wasn't the case for a lot of packages. I sent something from md to tx 3 weeks ago and it's still in IL. That's beyond a little delay.
Wow, what company did you use and what did customer service say?
"The cleaning, the scrubbing will wait til tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
I don't understand why the last minute shipping problems with FedEx and UPS is such a big news story. I definitely understand the frustration with paying for a service that you did not receive; get a refund. But, if you waited that long to buy your Christmas presents, that's on you.
I agree if the purchase was made with *just enough time* to ship for Christmas, but that wasn't the case for a lot of packages. I sent something from md to tx 3 weeks ago and it's still in IL. That's beyond a little delay.
I don't understand why the last minute shipping problems with FedEx and UPS is such a big news story. I definitely understand the frustration with paying for a service that you did not receive; get a refund. But, if you waited that long to buy your Christmas presents, that's on you.
I agree if the purchase was made with *just enough time* to ship for Christmas, but that wasn't the case for a lot of packages. I sent something from md to tx 3 weeks ago and it's still in IL. That's beyond a little delay.
Wow, what company did you use and what did customer service say?
UPS, and the only answer I've been able to get is "we will get it delivered as soon as we can" lol. To be fair, this was when tx had that big ice storm. The box was in tx and rerouted back to il (why, idk) and there it sits. I sent a replacement out that delivered in the standard 4 days, so yeah I'm pretty sure that original box is mia.
I don't understand why the last minute shipping problems with FedEx and UPS is such a big news story. I definitely understand the frustration with paying for a service that you did not receive; get a refund. But, if you waited that long to buy your Christmas presents, that's on you.
I totally agree. My H works for UPS and the people that work there bust their asses to get everyone's package out on time. Most drivers work 13+ hour days from thanksgiving to Christmas not to mention those that work overnights have their schedules more than double to unload package cars and freight trailers. Sometimes weather gets in the way but they truly do all they can to get those packages delivered. At my H's hub, drivers worked until after 10pm Christmas eve to get every package out.
Exactly what I was thinking of when listening to the news this morning. Your husband is a saint.
"The cleaning, the scrubbing will wait til tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
Extended family should not scold other people's kids.
I think it depends on the situation. If my niece and nephew are acting out and my sister and BIL aren't doing anything (which is typical) I will step in and say something. Sometimes it pisses my sister off, but she will then take care of her kids I'd rather she be mad than me counstantly playing referee for her kids. If they're at their house, by all means, act like little hellions. But if you're in someone else's home, you respect their space and their rules
Ezra James 08/22/2013 Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies 07/03/2012 08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe or you're all the way grown, my promise to you is you're never alone. You are my angel, my darling, my star...and my love will find you, wherever you are."
In regards to the UPS/FedEx delays, yes if you ordered the week before Christmas you might be pushing it. However, my mom ordered something mid- November that still hasn't arrived. We live in Dallas and it was supposed to arrive during the ice storm. Ok, we'll give you a couple of days for that. It didn't arrive the week after the ice was all melted so she contacted FedEx to track the package. The tracking number the seller gave her wasn't valid so she had to contact the seller directly. They ignored her calls/emails for 4 days then sent an auto reply email thanking her for contacting them. When she finally did get ahold of them they told her the package would be sent again. In February. WTF?!?!!
My UO was a big deal yesterday at the ILs for dinner. I hate sweet potatoes. In any form. I think they're gross (and the marshmallows on them make me gag just looking at it). That's cool if you like them but I don't and MIL was acting like I just committed some unforgivable sin for saying I didn't want any.
Extended family should not scold other people's kids.
I think it depends on the situation. If my niece and nephew are acting out and my sister and BIL aren't doing anything (which is typical) I will step in and say something. Sometimes it pisses my sister off, but she will then take care of her kids I'd rather she be mad than me counstantly playing referee for her kids. If they're at their house, by all means, act like little hellions. But if you're in someone else's home, you respect their space and their rules
There's a certain extent that it could be ok, like you were saying. But after watching great-aunts, grandmas, uncles, etc, literally grab another person's child by their mouth and tell them to not talk that way, that's too much. Trying to verbally steer them in the right direction is one thing, but anything else is too much and will not be okay with me.
I would much rather just spend Christmas visiting with family and having a nice dinner. I feel obligated to buy all these gifts for DH's family every year AND contribute a $30 white elephant gift. I feel it is a little much and not necessary. I could care less if I received ANY gifts for Christmas but I think if I were to mention this idea, I'd look like a Scrooge.
I feel that whatever I say I want for my child is the way it should go. LO was soooo overtired and sick of being passed around during DH's Christmas so I said I wanted him to STAY in his car seat for while. Sil came up and took him out after I Told her not to. I snapped and I could give two shits if they think I'm a bitch. I make the rules.
Extended family should not scold other people's kids.
I think it depends on the situation. If my niece and nephew are acting out and my sister and BIL aren't doing anything (which is typical) I will step in and say something. Sometimes it pisses my sister off, but she will then take care of her kids I'd rather she be mad than me counstantly playing referee for her kids. If they're at their house, by all means, act like little hellions. But if you're in someone else's home, you respect their space and their rules
There's a certain extent that it could be ok, like you were saying. But after watching great-aunts, grandmas, uncles, etc, literally grab another person's child by their mouth and tell them to not talk that way, that's too much. Trying to verbally steer them in the right direction is one thing, but anything else is too much and will not be okay with me.
Oh yeah. You put your hands on my child and you're going to lose the arm
Ezra James 08/22/2013 Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies 07/03/2012 08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe or you're all the way grown, my promise to you is you're never alone. You are my angel, my darling, my star...and my love will find you, wherever you are."
This is more likely a FFFC than a UO but whateves:
1.) I got a new adjustable steam mop for Christmas and today I'm going to clean steam EVERYTHING. I'm not a germaphobe or anything, but we live on a ranch so there is always dirt, dust and grime in certain places. I'm going to kick its ass without using chemicals.
So I am not sure if this is an UO and I know that I sound like a brat but I don't know why our family always buys J super expensive, super babyish, snap up clothing for 12+ months. I don't dress J super babyish and he is only going to wear the outfit when we visit you- so it's not worth the money. J is my first baby but I can only imagine that snapping a one piece outfit closed once J can roll over and crawl is NOT going to an easy task. I can suck it up for the day but it just seems like such a waste!
edit- holy run ons
I totally understand. I didn't put DS1 in anything that snapped after 9 months. I preferred "real" shirts and pants/shorts/jeans.
My UO: you should not give transients money when they beg. If you want to help people go volunteer your time or donate your money to an actual organization.
@BellaOso come to my house and do mine!!! Then we can watch frosty the snowman together.
My uo (it has to be a uo). I love Christmas cards. I love getting them, I love sending them off. I got 3 this year. THREE! I sent off 40! I want to say screw it and not send them next year, but guilt compels me.
I think if someone signs up to participate in a secret santa exchange, they should follow through. Little disappointing.
Shocking.
Ezra James 08/22/2013 Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies 07/03/2012 08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe or you're all the way grown, my promise to you is you're never alone. You are my angel, my darling, my star...and my love will find you, wherever you are."
My UO: you should not give transients money when they beg. If you want to help people go volunteer your time or donate your money to an actual organization.
Its pretty gross to dictate what other people do with their money, especially to charity.
My UO: you should not give transients money when they beg. If you want to help people go volunteer your time or donate your money to an actual organization.
Unless you've been a transient, I wouldn't comment on this. My husband was homeless for almost 5 years. He has a right to have an opinion.
I think if someone signs up to participate in a secret santa exchange, they should follow through. Little disappointing.
Hence, why I didn't participate. This really isn't a surprise that this happened. I guess this was just your way of "calling them out" since this is not a UO at all.
Instead of complaining on multiple threads, can't you figure out who had you by just looking at the list of people who participated? Then comparing it to who wasn't thanked on the thread? Then you can call them out directly.
To spin off of the homeless topic, I don't think it's funny or cute to have kids/babies dressed up as a homeless person. (Most) parents wouldn't dress their child as a drug addict or prostitute, why is the homeless thing seen as humorous?
Ezra James 08/22/2013 Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies 07/03/2012 08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe or you're all the way grown, my promise to you is you're never alone. You are my angel, my darling, my star...and my love will find you, wherever you are."
I can totally see how people would not like them. They are bulky, crazy heavily advertised, the charms are sometimes overpriced, etc.
I have one and I love it. All of my charms are from a life event, so
my bracelet isn't very "pretty", but I love it because it tells the story of the last 8 or so years of my life.
To spin off of the homeless topic, I don't think it's funny or cute to have kids/babies dressed up as a homeless person. (Most) parents wouldn't dress their child as a drug addict or prostitute, why is the homeless thing seen as humorous?
I'm totally confused. Is this a real trend? Do people do this?
Re: UO Thursday
1: traveling sucks, especially now with a baby.
2: No family drama if you stay home.
3: No guilt in spoiling each other...neither of our families have a lot to spend , and that's fine! We are fortunate to have extra cash and like to splurge. I splurged on family one year and was made to feel like I had done something wrong, so now we just do small gifts for them and over the top for ourselves. (I'm assuming this will be the unpopular portion)
I don't think I should have to spend every holiday doing big get-togethers with my family.
For instance, yesterday my mom told me she has planned stuff for us to do NYE and New Years Day since we're off work. Um... no. I already made plans: stay home with my kids and bf, and relax. I'm not trying to go to church and do all the other stuff she planned.
BFP 3/29/2014 2u2 Let's do this!
Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies
07/03/2012
08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe
or you're all the way grown,
my promise to you
is you're never alone.
You are my angel, my darling,
my star...and my love will find you,
wherever you are."
We are forced to participate via skype. Which, I gotta say, the game is not that fun if you aren't in person. In my family, if you arent present for the festivities, you don't do the grab bag exchange.....
My UO (which is unpopular in their family) is if the gift is supposed to be $25, you spend close to $25. Not UP TO $25, but actually $25. In fact, if you get one of my gifts, since I plan ahead, find coupons or kohls cash to put towards the gifts, you get an even BETTER than $25 gift. I like to put effort into it and try to find the gifts people will want!
All of his adult siblings don't have great jobs which isn't a big deal, but put no thought into the gift. One gift was a paperback of "orange is the new black" and if that family member paid $25. They got ripped off because I saw a copy for $9 at target.
It's just annoying. Why do the exchange if no one cares or puts any thought into it.
But it truly is a lesson that sometimes it is better to give than receive. Like really, I had way more fun picking out a gift and putting thought into it than receiving.
Like way more fun.
I sent something from md to tx 3 weeks ago and it's still in IL. That's beyond a little delay.
They probably lost it.
BFP 3/29/2014 2u2 Let's do this!
UPS, and the only answer I've been able to get is "we will get it delivered as soon as we can" lol.
To be fair, this was when tx had that big ice storm. The box was in tx and rerouted back to il (why, idk) and there it sits.
I sent a replacement out that delivered in the standard 4 days, so yeah I'm pretty sure that original box is mia.
Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies
07/03/2012
08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe
or you're all the way grown,
my promise to you
is you're never alone.
You are my angel, my darling,
my star...and my love will find you,
wherever you are."
I feel that whatever I say I want for my child is the way it should go. LO was soooo overtired and sick of being passed around during DH's Christmas so I said I wanted him to STAY in his car seat for while. Sil came up and took him out after I Told her not to. I snapped and I could give two shits if they think I'm a bitch. I make the rules.
Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies
07/03/2012
08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe
or you're all the way grown,
my promise to you
is you're never alone.
You are my angel, my darling,
my star...and my love will find you,
wherever you are."
1.) I got a new adjustable steam mop for Christmas and today I'm going to clean steam EVERYTHING. I'm not a germaphobe or anything, but we live on a ranch so there is always dirt, dust and grime in certain places. I'm going to kick its ass without using chemicals.
My uo (it has to be a uo). I love Christmas cards. I love getting them, I love sending them off. I got 3 this year. THREE! I sent off 40! I want to say screw it and not send them next year, but guilt compels me.
Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies
07/03/2012
08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe
or you're all the way grown,
my promise to you
is you're never alone.
You are my angel, my darling,
my star...and my love will find you,
wherever you are."
BFP 3/29/2014 2u2 Let's do this!
Maybe it's because you made fun of the perfume they wear.
Unless you've been a transient, I wouldn't comment on this. My husband was homeless for almost 5 years. He has a right to have an opinion.
Hence, why I didn't participate. This really isn't a surprise that this happened. I guess this was just your way of "calling them out" since this is not a UO at all.
Instead of complaining on multiple threads, can't you figure out who had you by just looking at the list of people who participated? Then comparing it to who wasn't thanked on the thread? Then you can call them out directly.
Nora Grace Due 12/26/2016
Two Angel Babies
07/03/2012
08/08/2015
"If you're still my small babe
or you're all the way grown,
my promise to you
is you're never alone.
You are my angel, my darling,
my star...and my love will find you,
wherever you are."
I can totally see how people would not like them. They are bulky, crazy heavily advertised, the charms are sometimes overpriced, etc.
I have one and I love it.
My Pandora bracelet is my guilty pleasure.