Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Mil opened presents with toddler while I was at work

114 replies

LeChatNoirv · 24/12/2024 15:44

Not sure if I’m unreasonable or not here, so could do with some advice!

Mil brought her Christmas gifts to my toddler today while I’m at work and DH was at home. She then opened a few (not all) with her. I just feel a bit gutted as these were her first Christmas gifts to open this year and I missed it. Toddler hasn’t opened presents since her first birthday and I really wanted to see that excitement.

DH says I’m overreacting as I’ll see my daughter opening presents tomorrow anyway. Who is unreasonable?

OP posts:
DappledThings · 24/12/2024 16:12

YABU. They weren't your presents and you'll get to see her open her ones from you tomorrow. Makes no difference to your Christmas day unless you choose to let it. Don't fixate on the inconsequential.

Floralnomad · 24/12/2024 16:11

A toddler will be equally as excited by the presents tomorrow and granny presumably wanted to see her open the ones she’d bought which is entirely reasonable . Pick your arguments , this is not one to be concerned about .

Nanny0gg · 24/12/2024 16:09

Why did she do it today?

Rowen32 · 24/12/2024 16:08

It depends, we don't open presents until Christmas Day or after so if that's the case I'd be upset but otherwise no, it's her gifts to your child, not ones you bought or anything. Next time, tell your husband to record it if you want!

mitogoshigg · 24/12/2024 15:59

Yabu, the presents were from her not you. The good thing is your toddler will have got the hang of it tomorrow!

Cornettoninja · 24/12/2024 15:53

This is one to take a deep breath over and adjust your perspective. The magical bit at that age is coming down on Christmas morning and finding out you’ve been left gifts that have appeared overnight just like everyone said they would.

sadly the old dude with the beard gets the credit for a while but you honestly haven’t missed a milestone at all. I always think it’s nice for the giver to experience the reaction of their gift. Grandmas presents still aren’t going to be as exciting as santas.

Everleigh13 · 24/12/2024 15:51

I would just let this one go and move on. It’s not worth getting upset over. Tomorrow you will see her open presents.

FeegleFrenzy · 24/12/2024 15:51

Well if you are telling your dd to believe in Father Christmas and that he brings the presents I’d have been cross. If she wanted to see your dd open presents that should be done after Xmas day!

TidyDancer · 24/12/2024 15:50

Was she still there when you got home? What did you say/do when you realised?

I think you need to focus on this being about your DD and not you really, as long as she's happy that's the main thing surely.

cariadlet · 24/12/2024 15:50

If your MIL won't be with you for Christmas day, it was natural for her to want to see your toddler opening the presents from her today.

You'll still see your dc open the presents from you and from Father Christmas tomorrow.

We can't be there for every special moment in our children's lives.
YBU

BaronessBomburst · 24/12/2024 15:49

Your DH is right. Your toddler will be just as excited tomorrow, and for years to come, so there was nothing wrong with MIL opening a couple of her own gifts with her today.

KeeKees · 24/12/2024 15:49

YABVU.

Lavender14 · 24/12/2024 15:48

I understand why you're upset and disappointed but to be honest I don't think I'd get worked up over this. The excitement tomorrow will be ten times more and granny just got a little snapshot. You'll be there doing the proper present opening in the morning.

ApparentlyRockBottomHasABasement · 24/12/2024 15:46

Will MIL be there tomorrow, or is today the only day she is seeing DD?