The Christmas Gift Rant
 

Ok, first, I'm gonna be dead honest with you here... you all know I'm not religious, so the holiday of Christmas, to me and my family, is nothing more than the one day out of the year when we assess what eachother would enjoy receiving (within our budgets) and we give it to them.

Christmas is about surprise and indulgence to we heathens. With that said, you shouldn't give people shit that they need. You should give them shit that they WANT.

I'm in the process of moving into a new apartment for the first time. Guess what I got for Christmas! A tea kettle! A blanket! A cutlery set! Silverware! A flashlight! A tool set! I felt like it was my fucking bridal shower.

I didn't get anything that I WANTED, only shit that I needed. Now, trust me here, I can provide for myself. If there is anything that I need, I can buy it for myself. I don't need a relative to pick up some ugly set of silverware because I'm incapable of buying this stuff for myself. "Hmm, what will bring a smile to Andrew's face... Spider-Man 2 DVD or a radio/flashlight? Half Life 2 or a tea kettle? Going the extra mile and ordering a rare CD from an online store or buying a set of knives from Bed Bath and Beyond down the street?" This is Christmas, people, and my birthday was 2 and a half months ago; you don't get another shot at this for a while.

I know it makes me sound like a greedy son of a bitch, but I'm only being honest here. Especially after I bought my sister a $300 graphics tablet. After I bought my dad a computer game that I thought he'd enjoy. After I bought my mom a variety of CDs and DVDs, one of which I could only hope she'd enjoy. I tried to bring a smile to my family's face... I did. What did they do? Oh, they got me the shit I was gonna have to buy anyways. Real effort in that. Really.

So, all day I've been playing with this deck of cards that I got in my stocking. It's the only thing that I got that I CAN play with. It's a cool deck of cards... I liked 'em immediately... but Christmas is supposed to go like this: Wake up the parents. Open presents. Eat breakfast with the family. Spend the rest of the day playing with all of your new toys. Now, when I'm playing solitaire for the rest of the fuckin' day, something is wrong.

So the message here is this: Buy your family the shit that they need anyways, but make sure you get them a little shit they'll enjoy, too.

For some reason I got lots of alcohol, and I really don't drink that much. I'm not drinking right now. Some other stuff too, but nothing I can use to pass the time with. Like, a book would've been nice. Instead of "responsible" stuff. I can't play with a shirt.

Oh well, for myself I added the $ amount of presents I bought for people, and it equals the estimated value of proucts I took in, so I don't have to worry that I gave too much, or not enough. Just right!

Guilty as charged. See, spouse calls me one day from Target to say there's this fantastic deal on 20" tv's, should he get one for the son? At that price, yes! Fine, except the only thing my son wanted was Nintendo DS. No tv. Daughter wanted a digital camera and after looking at quite a few, I got her a 2.0mp Nikon. After the cost of that and the card, I spent twice as much on her as I did her brother.
So....to relieve these pangs of guilt I have over ruining a sweet boy's Christmas dream, I am going to make him an offer I hope he won't refuse. He got a total of $40 in cash and a gift card for $30 to a store called Electronic Boutique, which sells Nintendo DS. It cost about $150. I am offering him the idea that, if he uses what he got, I will put up the remainder to get the DS. He gets what he wanted and I don't have to shell out the whole thing after getting him the tv, plus, for me, the final amount for his gifts equals what we paid for the camera.
In the morning, he will awake to a large note outlining my offer.
Every kid, no matter how old chronologically, deserves a happy Christmas if that's what they wish for. Like you, the holiday has no real religious significance for me at all-i use it to show the ones I love how much they mean to me-it's my time to make others happy and this year, I failed miserably at it for one person who deserved to be made ecstatic.

As cool as these are.. you can't expect them to entertain me all fuckin day...

I completely agree.
I miss the childhood christmas mornings where I got lot's of toys and fun stuff. Even late teenage years where I got videogames and stuff.
I didn't really get any 'toys' this year. The part that really killed me though was the fact that there were no stockings this year! Hopefully, if I ever have kids I'll stick to the "At least 1 'toy' no matter how old"

Quit your fucking whineing Halx. You could have gotten nothing. Be thankful for what you did get.

I got an ugly ass shirt and a book that I won't ever read(leonard
maltin movie review guide). If I had actually gotten the camera I NEED for class next semester I might be happier. Maybe I'm bitter cause I spent more time and money on them(the parents) this year.

hahahaha!

I don't know you, but I wish I could have seen your face when you got that.
http://www.elx.com.au/images/product...0451209400.jpg

Or was it the 2005 edition?

All the gifts I received this year were stuff I needed for my upcoming trip. I am not so bitter because getting a luggage set etc is very helpful to me. So getting presents that I needed was nice.
Although, I do remember when I was a child how great it was to get toys. On a side note, I got the game “World of Warcraft” something I had avoided buying because of its addictive nature. Let us see if I can keep studying when this is loaded…

Faygo, if I don't get anything for Christmas, at this age, it's probably completely my fault and has nothing to do with fortune.

Every year my mom asks my brothers and I to come up with a 'wishlist' of stuff we want for Christmas. I've basically made it clear to my family, that if it's not on the list, i don't want it (unless it's an exceptionally great idea that has slipped my mind or would bring me a smile).

The stuff on the list is both what i want and need, but because of recent events in my life, 90% of what i asked for for Christmas this year was for my new apartment. I haven't been living on my own that long and am working on a collection of stuff.

Luckily for me i get excited about toasters and blenders etc, purely because this means i don't have to buy it later, and i'm already in enough growing debt for my car.

Thank god for the list.

I totally see where you're coming from though Halx, and have had more of my share of Christmas' like that. I don't need another set of 6 pairs of white socks in my stocking... not at the expense of the new necklace and earing set i wanted :( oh well :)

I like a mix of gifts on Christmas of things that I need that I would probably buy later, and of stuff that I want. I usually don't feel cheated when someone gives me something I need because thats less money that I have to spend on the things that I need, and that money can be allocated for something else.
For example, this year, I received a 2 suites for work. I had already planned on buying these suites, but now that money is free, so I'll probably pick up some stuff at best buy later.
However, I understand that nothing beats a gift that completely surprises you. One that is something that you would never have bought on your own. Or a gift that is more money than you would typically spend on yourself, like getting the upgraded version when you would have settled for the base option. The suites I received this year were of much better quality than I would have spent on myself which was a nice surprise.
Anyways, I hope everyone is having/had a happy holidays!

This year two of the best gifts I received were due to the fact my mom finally woke up and realized, "Hey. Lindsay likes U2. I'll get her some U2-themed gifts." So she got me an interesting memoir by a former classmate of Bono's who claims Bono ruined his life (all in darkly comic fashion, of course), and the Best of 1990-2000 CD. I didn't have the CD already because, well, I already OWN all of the albums from 1990 onward, so that gift was sheerly want--the CD does have new mixes for several songs as well as some new work. So that made me happy. I also got the latest Harry Potter DVD.

What I really hate is when you get something you don't WANT or NEED. My mom buys me a lot of picture frames--BEAUTIFUL picture frames. But right now I have no pictures to put in them. Most of the pictures I have of my friends involve liquor, and I don't want to show off a bunch of drunk guys in a nice frame, no matter how cute both are. I'm hoping maybe my mom will get me copies of some photos to put in them, but I'm probably going to have to come up with my own ideas.

i too like a mix of gifts. Stuff i would never buy myself, but i kinda want. Most of my christmas was like that this year; Initial D DVD #1, Carbon/wood 2peice pool stick, Louis Vuitton wallet, and a new set of work gloves. I also got a real nice suede throw blanket, and Orange County Choppers shirt, a wireless router, a 20 flatscreen tv and cash. It was a prety solidxmas.........actualy im still waiting for a card from my autn and uncle in the mail, so christmas aint over yet.

What I really wanted for xmas is for my Mum to still be alive. She died last Sunday night. It was both what I needed and wanted. Alas, it was not to be.

Dude!!!! I got those same cards. At first I thought they sucked because they were hard to read, but after looking at them all day I've realized how cool and unusual those cards are. Enjoy them, I am.


Sorry to hear that Ella, best wishes.

I'm the kind of guy who usually appreciates useful gifts rather than sentimental ones. I like functional things, stuff I can use, stuff I need is just as good as stuff I didn't know I needed, and better than stuff I just want. (But my favorite car is also a white sedan so I'm a little boring...)

That said, this was the Ironic Christmas this year: there were <b>no</b> gifts at all, absolutely none, because Christmas is too expensive, according to my mother. So instead she organized a $600 lunch in a restaurant empty of people and empty of charm, that had mouse-sized food that tasted like shit and is now into her second week straight of blatantly ignoring her daughter, in private and in public. Yes, Christmas sucked this year and I pin the blame on my mother.

/me is bitter

Aw, that truly sucks. I'm sorry Ella, condolences to you and your family. That certainly helps put it all in perspective.

Socks.........I got freakin 12 pairs of socks. All in two or three packs.

You know you're getting old..............when your Xmas stocking, is full of socks.

I like the presents that girls buy. It's always shirts, t-shirts, undies, socks, jumpers etc. In the last 4 years I've bought 2 pair of shorts, and a pair of jeans. The rest of my clothing has been given to me by women. Thanks girls!
I spend my money on toys I like - A Harley, a new revolver, new computer, heaps of DVD's etc etc.

p.s. Sorry to hear about your Mum, Ella. I wish I could say something to make you feel better.

I'd say you know you're old when you start appreciating 12 pairs of socks. :)

I didnt get much, but I didnt expect that much, so I wasnt upset about it. My mum bought me a pair of bolt cutters (have no idea how or why i would ever use these), my dad bought me two work shirts, my sister got me a book I'll never read.

I think I spent a lot more money on other people than anyone spent on me, but hey... who's counting? And like I said, I didnt expect much, so it isnt that much of a disappoinment.

I see your point, Halx but...

I didn't even get a season's greeting card this year.
I think that's cool because that is just a "list" thing anyway.
Not that personal. I did get some new Xmas pics-jokes this year by email.
Maybe I should have started a thread...

Well, at least you got to spend the day with your family, have a great meal and ya got some house warming gifts to boot. I am by myself, overseas, in a place where I say "Merry Christmas" they don't say squat. I spent the day calling my family and friends and wishing them a happy Christmas, got some fried chicken, a beer and a rental DVD. I wish I was home on a day like yesterday. I mean, I am happy to be where I am but it just isn't Christmas unless your home.

That being said...regarding presents, I told my family long ago...gift certificates!!! They are happy, I am happy. Let them know next fall when the shopping season starts, to give you gift certificates. Anyhow, enjoy your new apartment and Happy New Year!

I got a box of Ferrero Prestige chocolates and honest to pete it took me 1/2 hour to open the box last night. Thought it was cuz I was drunk. This morning,...20 minutes.

Jeez give directions or a handle to open the damn thing.

Aside from that it clear sailing. 10 in the morning, turkeys in the oven, the box of Ferreros is open for good and I'm on my 3rd beer.

I could use a flashlight though for um,err,...nevermind.

My son got me some combat boot worthy socks before he came home. They are the damn finest socks that I have ever seen. They are like an orgy for my feet. I'll be sending him money in the future to send those home. The MREs he brought home were way cool too.

"...an orgy for my feet."

New sig time.

Damn straight.

He got a house warming under the color of Christmas, and he's upset 'cause no one got him an X-Box game which he's already been clear that he can buy himself. :D Listen to yourself, Halx!

So um Halx...if you were going to buy the things you NEEDED anyway and they already bought them for you...couldn't you just use the money you save by NOT having to buy these things to go out and buy the things you want? Granted I don't think I'll ever be in dire need of a kettle...which prolly ran about 15 bucks? But ya know just saying.

Christmas definitely has spiritual significance for me and my family but this year it didn't. Pops had to work and my sister and brother in law invited us over to their house out of town for a big Christmas dinner. My other sister didn't want to go and my mom wasn't feeling all to well so we didn't go :|. Thats my only rant. My mom didn't feel too well because she was bored and tired..not because she was sick...if she had went to spend time with her grand-daughter and family she would have forgotten all about that like I do...sure it would have came back when you went home but at least you'd have fun for that short time. My sister didn't want to go because she doesn't like the idea of socializing with all my sisters friends and in-laws (Who have now become my friends by association) because she doesn't know them so she thinks she would have felt weird. So alas we did nothing. We went and had Christmas dinner at The Kettle :|. Delicious Christmas chicken strips. So I felt tired and sick, woulda been nice to have gone and forgotten all about that but we didn't. So I ended up crashing out around 10:00. I did get to spend Christmas eve with my Bro n Law, sister and niece though so that was nice.

My gifts at least were very nice. I got a few CD's(Damien Rice - O, Queens Greatest Hits, Mos Def - The New Danger), I got a really nice shirt which I wore yesterday for nothing :( (I looked handsome too), I got a nice little stereo with a remote that I picked out for my room, I got some kick ass house slippers with rubber souls so I don't have to be duct-taping them up everytime they start tearing...I really wanted some a those. They're warm n toasty wearin em right now :D, I got a Cool Water box set with the cologne, Body Wash, and Deoderant...I think thats about it. Good stuff as far as gifts go, just wish it coulda had the family element...thats the part I enjoy the most I could care less about the gifts. Sis is here though so thats good I don't get to see her very often and we're going to see my other sis sometime today probably because she forgot some stuff at our house..(Baby wipes, her purse!:p) and that will be nice. I hope we stay for a while. Might not be the WORST Christmas I've ever had just that I've had some better ones. Yeah...

Asta!!

Well, at least you got to spend the holidays with your family. I haven't had that for two years in a row. (Thanks all you fucks who voted for bush, I really appricate all you do for your troops) Yeah, I got mailed some presents, and yeah, it was stuff I'll enjoy, but BIG FUCKING DEAL. You know what I really want for christmas? To set up a christmas tree in my living room, wrap presents and have my husband guess what they all are. I want to go shopping at the last minute. I even want the 12 hour drive to spend with my parents and in-laws. I want to be rushed and pushed and pulled in 300 holiday directions. I want to laugh and joke with my family in the middle of a mountain of wrapping paper and discarded bows and boxes. What I don't want is to spend another year in the middle of a god forsaken country where people hate me becuase I was born in America. I don't want to be alone and listen to people's happy tales of joy and good cheer. I want my fucking holiday, the whole kit 'n kaboodle, not another normal day of the year with a few strands of tawdry decorations and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" running through my head.
I really hate that you didn't get stuff you liked, halx. And I'm terribly sorry for Ella's loss, I'm even sorry for the 12 pairs of socks. Just remember, it could be so much worse. You could have no real holiday, and no one to share it with at all.

heh. so i basically gave up all of my christmas wishes this year so we could meet a need. as much as i would've LOVED getting the band of brothers dvd set or some new hardware to build a computer, i told the family that the wife and i need a bed. FUCKING NEED a bed. we have an air mattress on the ground, and that does shit for us and our crappy backs. we tell the family that the bed and mattress we wanna get is at ikea, and that all they need to do is go to ikea and get us gift certificates. don't buy me trinkets, don't buy me baubles, don't buy me clothes i won't ever wear, just go to ikea and spend all the money you were planning on spending on me in a gift certificate.

what do we get? two cards to ikea, another to wal-mart (good for covering a few groceries, but not what we needed), and a gift card to cvs. cv fucking s. happy fucking christmas, here's some credit at a drugstore. you've gotta be kidding me. at this rate, we might possibly maybe get a frame, but certainly nowhere close to the mattress. i try to make it simple but my silly family finds a magical way to screw that up too.

unlike halx, we don't have the means to just go out and pick up what we need at no consequense... we're living a very very tight budget, so big-ticket items are something we very rarely can enjoy. it makes it harder when i give the family an opputunity to help us out and they play it like the goober out in left field who has add.

:( :( Ella, I understand how you feel - my mom died 2 1/2 years ago and I stll miss her. I still see things in stores I'd like to give her and feel so sad that I can't.

I only have one family member left - my sister, who recently moved to the other side of the country. If it weren't for the kindness of people unrelated to me I wouldn't have had any christmas at all this year. The people I work with went out and bought gifts for me, which was nice even though they don't really know my taste that well. I didn't really get any fun gifts but the fact that I got anything at all nearly moved me to tears. I always used to bitch about the things my family got me for christmas, the money wasted on stuff I wouldn't use, etc. Little did I know that within a few short years I would have virtually no family left at all.

My wife is the most thoughtful, considerate, cheery gift-giver I've ever met. If she knew you, Hal, she would have loaded you up with all the stuff you'd want. And she'd be able to assess that from you in one meeting alone; it's uncanny how she does it. Unfortunately, her remaining family (two brothers and assorted in-laws, nephews, and nieces) are absolute total SHITS when it comes to reciprocating.

Here are some examples from this year:
1) My wife's brother (47 years old) is a gun fanatic: she gave him a new pistol carrying case.
My wife has Type I diabetes: the same brother gave her a S'Mores Maker Kit (last year he gave her a Hot Chocolate Set). We don't know if he's really that stupid or if he's trying to kill her.

2) My wife's other brother (45 years old) is an Auburn fanatic: she gave him a hard-to-find Auburn video that was not easy to corral.
My wife hates gory television and movies: the same brother gave her a jigsaw puzzle based on the CSI tv show. She hates the show and never watches it.

3) My wife's sister-in-law is the worst, most hateful carbon-based life form on the planet: my wife gave her a very nice watch that wasn't cheap by any means.
My wife and I live in Auburn and are surrounded by cheap Auburn souvenirs everywhere we go: the sister-in-law gave her a piece of crap Auburn wind chime. The sister-in-law does all the Christmas shopping for her family, and she always buys all male relatives the same "male" gift, and all female relatives a different "female" gift. Her shopping day is over in about 14 seconds.

4) My wife's niece and nephew are the two most selfish teenage morons I've ever had the displeasure to know: she gave them a requested video game (nephew) and matching watch (niece).
My wife does not cook, as that's my pleasure: the niece and nephew gave her a wire whisk for the kitchen. Me, they gave nothing.

We go through this every year, and it really hurts my wife badly. She loves Christmas and loves her family and cannot help herself from going all out in the true spirit of giving. And then they shit all over her. One year I wrote down everything they gave her and everything she gave them and saved it until the next year's shopping season so I could use it to remind her of what always happens. All it did was make her miserable a month early.

Just once, I'd like to see her family put the slightest bit of thought in their gifts and make her happy.

By the way, she gave me a whole bunch of Beatles stuff that I didn't have, and most of you know how high I must be floating today. I gave her a watercolor media set, an easel, and some sketching materials; I figured anybody that beautiful on the inside should bring it all out for everyone to enjoy.

I got a number of things I needed but that was mostly cause Moma asked me what I wanted/needed and I named those. She and Daddy also got me a loverly sapphire necklace. Quite a treat if you've grown up in my home and gotten clothes for gifts almost as long as you can remember. I actually did not get ONE item of clothing this Christmas. It dawned on me last night just before bed. I was in shock. I've never gone one Christmas without clothes. The best part is I DON'T Need clothes right now anyway. I got a purse made out of sherpa and no toys really. I also got some expensive parfume from Grandpa. I got spoons, and spatulas for cooking and bobbins for my sewing machine. I'm satisfied. Laura was treated to quite a haul of toys from the family and a dora princess nightgown. She seems quite happy with her gifts as well. Hubby too. Though he DID get some clothes but they were much needed items and he also got money - never can go wrong with money.

heh I know what you mean Halx, my grandfather died a few years back and left me his entire tool kit, he was a wood worker, needless to say, it was a large collection. That Christmas, I still received the complementary set of screwdrivers from not one but 2 loved ones. One being my mother whose father passed away, and she personally drove the uhaul truck with all his tools in it to my place.

after that, we started to make list for our selves. We let each other know what we want. Either by hinting or by giving out a list. The real fun is disguising the presents so they don’t look like what they are (keeps the mystery)

Sorry to hear your stash was small. Maybe next year don’t be a heathen

;)

~dill

Bad news, Hal: You're growing up. There comes a time when "new toy" takes the form of all those things you need. Or, like me this christmas: a new shower head (much needed), a golf ball shagger (handy!), a cute picture of lurkette and me (yay! my office is pretty sparce), a jar of my aunt's homemade plum jam (yum!), etc.

Be grateful for what you got. There will come a time when you're very glad for that tea kettle and that tool set. You know, your family really thought about this, and said, "Years from now, after he's long forgotten playing Worlds of Warcraft, he'll still have this silverware." Amusement is ephemeral; housewares are enduring.

Well, I mostly got gift cards to local electronics hut ( futureshop) and some to M&M meats and walmart. The odd sweater and socks as well, the missus family spoils us each year so this year we got a new washer/dryer and a fridge with ice/water taps. sweet. and some cash. love cash.

got the missus a diamond neckless for the record, can't go wrong with diamonds. i gave her all her smaller gifts stocking stuff type stuff and some lottery tickets. hehe, then i left out the jewellry until later that night, she was very surprised, not too mention i was waiting for some mood change for getting her just lotto tickets! she said nothing, i think she was on to me, as we always set a budget for the gifts we do for each other on xmas. the presents i gave her early in the day did not come close to budget. hid it in the freezer and asked her to get out a shrimp ring. should now post in the got some thread..... :-)

M&M meats??? :confused:
http://amesfreelibrary.org/images/m&m.gif

Asta!!

Needs VS wants...I didn't know that there was rules to giving gifts.
Sure is a bunch of ungrateful people here.

:lol: na, its a store that sells steaks, chicken, individual meals, you name it, all frozen, very good stuff.
M & M meats

Awww, next year, guys, just remember...nothing says Merry Christmas like a box full of frozen raw meat. :D
http://a725.g.akamai.net/7/725/1095/...eft_image1.gif

Haha okay that one discombobulated me for a sec there :lol:

Asta!!

Aaah the curse of moving into a new house/apartment. It seems if you do that remotely close to your birthday or christmas, you lose all rights to expect anything but "stuff for your place" as gifts.

I agree with Halx... sure, if you get stuff you need, it saves you cash and you can therefor buy stuff you want with saved cash, but what's the fun? With that mindset you could as well determine the budget you have for everyone you want to give a gift to, and give them the money instead *shrugs*.
Point is, Christmas gifts, in my opinion, should be stuff that, as Halx put it, brings a smile to your face. Sure, a microwave is handy but darn, it kinda says "I had no idea whatsoever what to gove you, so I took the easy way out and got stuff for your apartment".

Keyshawn's christmas gift ranting.
 

well, i just opened the rest of my gifts from my mom's side,


plastic shotglass that lights up when you slam it down [btw, im 18]; scooby-doo basketball wastebasket top [not the trashcan, just the hoop that goes on top of a trash can]; a scooby-doo jack_in_the_box, but it doesnt wind up, just you press a button and says various stuff; a paper shredder [somewhat cheap one] and Katamari Damacy for ps2 [game].

What is bothering me is:
- What should I do with the crap that I don't want at all ? [both of the scooby-doo things][got them from my aunt who's in the living room right now]
They are seriously pieces of crap of plastic; even ones that underprivledged children shouldn't have [they deserve more entertaining and more importantly, more enlightening/educating gifts]. To be more blunt, crap like that doesn't need to be sold.

- Some of the things my parents bought me, I noticed, were from wal-mart. I'm not fond of that store at all, especially when a napoleon dynamite dvd was purchased there for $22.99. [BTW, I LOVE that movie, and it would have already been watched already by me.] [On the basis, its a wal-mart purchase and I know I could get the dvd for cheap elsewhere, though my time spent on returning it plus my satisfaction on walmart lost sales, probably isn't worth 5 bucks.

Next time, though, should I tell others not to buy stuff at stores that I don't approve of ? [wal-mart, gap, and more]
hmm...i dunno.

My momma always told me to smile, be gracious and thankfull for any gift received because after all it's the thought that counts. It seems we have lost something along the way. I reckon I'm old fashioned but telling someone not to buy you something because you don't approve of the store seems a little rude.

Around the end of November my Mom announced that we (as a family) would only be buying presents for the kids this year. At first this didn't bother me much because I guess I figured that someone in my family would break this decree and I'd end up with a gift or two. Well my Sister decided that she, my Brother and I should get something for my Mom and Dad so we did, and of course my Brother got them both presents anyway (stuff he got back in the summer for them). So yesterday morning there we all are. My two nieces have a shit load of presents, my Mom got 4, my Dad got 4, Sister and Brother have a few each and I have ZERO. Absolutely SQUAT!!! I've never been so pissed off in my life. Felt like shit all day and my Sister-in Law has the fucking nerve to ask me what my problem is at dinner. I just about told them all to go fuck themselves. Real fun sitting around the tree with nothing while everyone else enjoys their gifts.

I always buy myself the best gifts - the ones I just want for no useful reason. This year I got myself Cabela's Deer Hunt 2005, some DVDs, and I'm gettin' ready to pick up a couple of bows...at post-Xmas discounts.

Art, you crack me up. You've always got this "What's all the fuss? I seem to do well for myself" attitude. I suppose most of the gripes people have would disappear completely if they relied on only themselves. Christmas, though, is about relying on others. I do like your method, don't get me wrong, I utilize it throughout the year.

heh - heh - yeah - I look forward to my self-gifts - best part of xmas if ya ask me...

:)

I redeemed myself re: my son's deep disappointment. He took me up on the offer to go halvsies on his beloved Nintendo DS. It can be written on to send wireless messages-when he got home with it this afternoon, he wrote 'thanks, mom' to show me the gadget.

The best gift I've ever gotten was not having to spend Christmas at the hospital this year like we did last year. My mom had a stroke Christmas Eve, and was in the hospital well past New Year's Day. It made a world of difference to be in our own home, with everyone healthy.

Hey halx at least you got a deck of cards, I didn't get squat to "play" with the rest of the day. I got clothes from everyone
I specifically asked my sisters not to get me dvds or clothes...they both got me clothes.
I'm still grateful that I got to spend christmas with my family (unlike some others on the forum who would have loved to have been with their families).

hahah so true, I got a box of meat from my uncle's cow. God i love beef!

I'm with you here. Basically I get those things I need and I seem to give the things people want. It's fucked up. I never thought anyone should get an appliance or sensible clothing for christmas. Give me the impractical, the thing that I can play with. They say I'm hard to shop for, I have everything! Everything I need is right, I make enough to by the escentials, give me that wierd thing that you can only get in Chicago at that little store where the stupid little marbles run through the maze and land on the nipples of a gifted woman. Practicality has little to do with Christmas.

By something that someone wont buy for themselves because it doesn't make sense.

Yeah, like those sleeper jammies that I couldn't justify buying on my own :D

I think it's time for a "Buy Phred a Bed" Thread! We all should pitch in a few bucks and try to get them a new bed from ikea!! What do you say?? It'll be a nice holiday type thing to do!

on a side note, i must be getting older, because I got excited about socks! Yes... SOCKS! But they are really nice adidas ones and since I've got this huge thing about socks fitting just right... well, they are awesome.

Other than that, I got an Ipod adapter for my Alpine stereo in my car, and a gift certificate for window tinting in said automobile! So all in all, I'm a pretty happy camper!!

Christmas is for KIDS and about what KIDS want plain and simple

if I were in a new place and people took the time to get me stuff for it no way I'd be bitching....

I can't complain at all. My husband got me everything I could have wanted and vise-versa... One thing I got, I returned for a better one yesterday, but it's cool. I'm just grateful for the people who love and care about me. My mother-in-law even gave me this gorgeous pin that belonged to her grandmother. I love it, and I was truly touched.

Shani, if you no longer have any KID left inside of you, I have a solution. Go to an orphanage, kill one of the weak ones, rip out their heart and eat it raw. You will inherit their spirit. You will be young again and long for the pleasantries once more. Yum!

I have a daughter....christmas is for her not me....no presents were exchanged at all except with her.....I have plenty of kid in me....but I enjoy christmas thru my daughter

Hal's right. I do that twice a year and it keeps me quite youthful.

1) those cards ROCK - any idea where I could get a deck?
2) I completely agree. Getting people thiings they're going to get anyway sort of nullifies the whole effect of getting the present.

Unfortunate side effect of eating children: It stunts your growth. ..well duh.

I'm the youngest in my family, so for no happy fun gifts to be exchanged for the lack of KIDS would be a tragedy.

I love all the stuff I got. Granted, what I could have used the most was just plain ol money, but regardless, I'm enjoying everything I received.

What makes you think I have no spirit? I thinking complaining about your gifts isnt right when there are a LOT of people in the world that dont get anything for christmas. The people that got those gifts did it with the best of intentions, I just think its kind of sad that just cause you didnt get anything to "play" with those presents are discounted.

My daughter got me and Dave a gift each.....his was a 500 piece glow in the dark dragon puzzle from big lots (2 bucks) and mine was a wooden nutcracker dressed in a KILT carrying bagpipes from walmart (3.99) and I will cherish that present until the day I die because I knew the thought behind when she bought it. Can I play with it? No I cant, can I enjoy it in the christmas spirit it was given? YES..

I would rather watch her enjoy her "santa claus" than anything else.

All Im saying is I dont think its fair for an ADULT to complain about any present they get.

/my rant over

Both my hubby and myself always come away from christmas with an obscene haul of crap. My hubby's an only child, so he's always been the center of the universe for his folks, and they are surrogate family for me, and they've really taken me into the fold. That said, we always get an assload of shit that absolutely is wonderful, but that we really don't want, need or have the room for. But we are grateful that they have taken the time and effort to make sure that their gifts reflect the interests that we have, and the hobbies that we enjoy.

But... this year, I think the light FINALLY came on for my hubby. I had to tell him firmly no appliances... not just because buying me a can opener, even one I want, is a cop out, but because I like to pick out my own tools. He's never understood that I prefer one well thought out gift over several.... if he's going to buy me jewelry, for example, I'd rather he buy me one piece that really reflects my tastes than several pieces that are nice but not exactly my thing. I'd rather quality-on-the-money over quantity-pretty-close-but-not-quite. This year, he seems to have gotten the message.... I got a couple of the usual sort of gift, but he went to a clothing website and picked out a pair of pajama pants and matching socks that I absolutely adore.... they are soooooooooooooo me, and so cute and comfy.... they are the RIGHT size, they ROCK..... and I knew the light was on when he said "I could have ditched everything else, wrapped up just the pjs and you'd have been completely happy with c'mas." NOW you've got it, lover! *grins*

That said, I like a mix of need and want.... yes, I might run out and buy myself the showerhead I got for c'mas this year, but it was very sweet of him to remember that I like a rain head, coveted the new waterpik one, and get it for me. And I certainly don't need yet another John Cusack DVD, but he got it for me anyway. And for things he knows I need (like clothes), he gets a gift certificate, acknowledging that he knows I need it, but letting me choose for myself. It means he braved the mall to get me something I need, indulging the want side of it by letting me pick it myself.

For our friends to whom we only give one or two gifts each, we definitely err on the want side. I like to indulge them with gifts I know they'll love but would not buy for themselves, or I make something special for them that they can't get anywhere else.

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss Ella.... We lost my hubby's stepmom c'mas eve four years ago, and I had to put my dog (my baby) down on c'mas eve three years ago. I know how hard it is to face the holidays after something so difficult and painful. All I can say is not to worry about dealing with the holidays unless it helps you get through the grief. Only time will heal your heart and make this time of year easier.

I didn't say anything about you.. where did you come up with me saying you have no spirit? Can you not read a morbid little joke as it is intended? I think surely, if anyone can get a morbid joke, it's you, Shani. Geez.

So, while everyone is so righteous about Christmas and complaining, let's just look at the facts here. I am not poor or starving. I do, however, donate many things to those less fortunate. I have a loving family whom I contribute many helpful things to. Everyone in my family has a job. Christmas is a tradition that we've practiced every year and by now, everyone should know the drill.

To those of you who are telling me it's not right to complain about what I got for Christmas, do you EVER complain? Do you EVER wish things had turned out better than they had? I could just as easily tell you to get over it because there are families out there who don't even have computers or internet connections, or even enough money to even live within the feasible viscinity of an internet cafe. So get over yourselves. We're all vain. Don't try to take the high road.

Sorry....I've just heard a LOT of "complaining" the last few days....maybe it hit me the wrong way...of course I can take a joke....but also....I am one of those people that buys "need" gifts for the grownups in my life--if indeed there is a need. Silly me, the way I grew up things like that were appreciated, not griped about

Of course I complain....all the time....your post just seemed to belittle the thought behind what you were given, and sounded well...selfish, just because you didnt get anything to PLAY with and I didnt think that was right.

make another morbid joke.....I'll put my mindset at the moment aside and enjoy it :lol:

Well at least it stunts the kid's growth. But on the plus side, I'd figure that they are low carb.

Exactly. We're all greedy bastards sometimes. I got clothes for Christmas, which I asked for. I got some stuff for college. All thoughtful, useful gifts. Yet I was slightly disappointed that I didn't get a "fun" gift.

Oh, and those cards are badass. Now I'm jealous.

My mom said she got them from Bed Bath and Beyond... how ironic.

They're really good to shuffle and they don't warp. I haven't actually played a game with them, but their only downside that I can tell is that you can't just peek at the corner, you have to view the whole circle, which is slightly inward on the card.

Waterproof? They'll be good for "strip-search poker"!

I'm sure that much of this has already been said, but if I want something and can afford it, then I get it for myself. I don't wait for a specific time of year or occasion. That way, when a holiday comes, I never complain that I didn't get exactly what I wanted because I did. When people are generous enough to give me things that I need and would have to buy anyway, I am really appreciative because I now have a budget to buy things that I want when I get a chance. Maybe its all in the way I look at it. Being remembered and staying in the thoughts of people who are significant in my life is more important than a bunch of stuff that I may want today and forget tomorow.

And I'm one of those people that wants stuff I can USE for Christmas. I asked for a nice TFal cooking set and some new silverware and some wooden spoons (call me weird all you want). And then my bro got me a really nice candle set that goes with the decore in the living room (he's really intuitive like that) And of course money. What am I gonna use that money for? To pay off my credit card debt that I accumulated for Christmas. I bought my mom a new DVD/VCR player, my dad got two new Hakamas and my brother got two Thomas Kinkade puzzles.

I understand what Halx means, but with a twist. The gifts I love giving, and in return mean the most are things that show a bit of connection between the two people. Something that says "I thought of you when I saw this." For example, every year my sister asks me point blank what to get me. I tried to steer her this year and told her to pick up a book for me, interested to see what she thought I might like. She literally called me from the bookstore and said "What book do you want"? I even tried to send her in a direction at that point and she just repeated herself.

This is just one small example. Even when I get something I would never like, I really appreciate and consider the thought that went into it, and it deepens the relationship. Gifts shouldn't come from a shopping list.

That sucks. :icare: There's no way they couldn't notice that you didn't get anything. I'd have given you one of my presents at least. What a bummer. Next year go buy yourself presents, a bottle of wine, and stay home and watch movies. Couldn't be any worse right?? I just can't believe how that would suck. Not that you're begging for gifts but when you're the only one without...UG! Sorry that happened to ya.

I had such trouble for so long getting my hubby to understand the quality-right-on-the-money idea over the quantity-sort-of-close idea (not just for the holidays but for birthdays and anniversaries, too) that early in our marriage, I offered to give him a list. He flat out told me that if I did that he'd go out of his way not to buy a single thing on the list.... he doesn't believe in it (neither do I, but I thought it'd make it easier on him.... I was really relieved that he turned me down, lol) He really does believe in the idea of putting thought into getting a gift and having it be a total surprise. He's getting much, much better.... I guess for him it's a trial and error sort of thing.

my mother always said(and I find myself saying it too, now that Im older)....if you dont know me well enuff to know what to get me without a list...dont bother getting me anything at all

Remember to always gift yourself! There is no shame in it. I must say, I have grown more fond of myself over the years and I always buy myself a treat for Christmas. This year: 1 bottle of Oban 12-year-old single malt Scotch.

We always do lists as back-ups. We all try to get stuff for one another. However, if we get in a jam, then we can call on the SO of the person in question and get suggestions from the list. It is helpful

The only complaint I have is that I got nothing that I asked for from my parents. This makes no sense to me. They asked me to write a list then I tell them three things that I really NEED and instead they get me things I don't want/need.

I just dont understand is all.

well 2 options. Take the shit they gave you back and get what you want.
Or, take the mney you save frok not having to buy the shit they gave you and get yourself what you want.