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Original poster

What would you think if you saw this status on Facebook, now?

30 replies

justwantcheesee · 07/10/2018 21:11

I hope this doesn’t come across as grabby.
Its only because quite a few people have already asked us over the last few weeks what the kids want for Christmas. This year we will be doing Christmas small. We’re not going over the top. The reality of it is there’s absolutely nothing my kids NEED and I really don’t want anybody worrying about that at all. If you’re thinking of us at Christmas, pop round for a brew or do something Christmassy with us. I’d like to think they would appreciate your time so much more so please dont worry. ❤️

Is it too much? Too early?

OP posts:
Original poster
justwantcheesee · 07/10/2018 21:13

Forgot to say was going to set it so that only our families could see, but we both have big families and we are moving house in a few weeks with another baby on the way so i don't want people worrying especially when we can't reciprocate

OP posts:
IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 07/10/2018 21:16

I think that is lovely. Go for it.

FusionChefGeoff · 07/10/2018 21:16

I think it would be weird on FB even if set to a limited group - I don't think there's anything wrong with the actual sentiment though - I'd probably send out a load of texts / WhatsApp msgs to everyone instead though but make it sound more personal.

Starlight345 · 07/10/2018 21:16

I think many relatives will ignore .

I was at a toddler group a few weeks ago so many had almost finished their shopping so not too soon

MarklahMarklah · 07/10/2018 21:17

I'd love to see that instead of posts about where to find the latest lol dolls or star wars xbox thing or whatever it is that everyone 'has' to have...

SerenDippyEggs · 07/10/2018 21:17

I'd just message people directly

Original poster
justwantcheesee · 07/10/2018 21:17

That's what I was worried about fusion.

OP posts:
EssentialHummus · 07/10/2018 21:18

I think it's a bit unclear whether you're saying no gifts, small gifts, or any gifts but we can't reciprocate. I'd amend to clarify that, and remove mention of "going over the top" because it can read as critical of what others might want to do. Other than this I'd breath a sigh of relief to read this!

MaisyPops · 07/10/2018 21:18

Lovely sentiment. I'd save it for when people ask and message them it directly.

CharlieLala · 07/10/2018 21:18

Can you not just speak to family? Face to face or on the phone? I personally think the sentiment is fine but I would think it's a bit Hmm to read it on fb! Also you can't guarantee that all family members will even read it.

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 07/10/2018 21:19

Sentiment is lovely. I would be a bit clearer on what you’re actually saying (no gifts at all?) and it’s not a FB thing in my opinion, so I’d text or speak

Original poster
justwantcheesee · 07/10/2018 21:20

I put the odd picture up every now and then but not statuses so it might look weird.

Jesus @Starlight345 I've not even thought about it yet, other than people that have messaged asking what the kids want. I haven't even thought about starting for the kids Grin
Most years I would have though. I'm not feeling Christmassy at all this year we have had a lot of bad news so I can't tell if I'm approaching it too early or just all wrong

OP posts:
Idontbelieveinthemoon · 07/10/2018 21:20

I was at a toddler group a few weeks ago so many had almost finished their shopping so not too soon

What? Who are these people who've finished their Christmas shopping before the end of October? I'm all about a bit of Buble but this is madness!

tectonicplates · 07/10/2018 21:21

I agree that you should make the meaning clearer.

FlibbertyGiblets · 07/10/2018 21:22

I would be a bit confused tbh.

Something like:
As you all know we're moving home shortly. As a result we're keeping our Christmas small this year, and are asking for no gifts. We do want your prescence though, so don't hesitate to call by and share a plate of mince pies over a cup of tea [heart]

??

Starlight345 · 07/10/2018 21:22

Tbh I only continued asking in the hope someone else hadn’t started 🤣. You can come sit by me at toddler group 😁

Thatstheendofmytether · 07/10/2018 21:26

Yeah I would be slightly confused by that and I wouldn't see it as having anything to do with presents.
I have a family member who always insists that no one buy a anything for her kids because "they have too much and they don't want the kids becoming materialistic". Most of the family get quite insulted by it tbh.

NonaGrey · 07/10/2018 21:27

I think fb is the wrong medium.

If you want to have any hope of this working you need to be direct and you need to be specific.

Eg Aunty Maureen please don’t buy the kids anything costing more that £10 we are keeping Christmas small.

The statement in your OP is vague and confusing. People won’t know what to do.

hidinginthenightgarden · 07/10/2018 21:39

If I saw it on facebook I would probably think you were being smug. If you text/WhatsApp/private messaged me then I would accept the message and appreciate be relieved by the decision.

category12 · 07/10/2018 21:52

I'd think it was one of those crappy "97% of people won't read this message to the end" things people put up on FB and sigh and roll my eyes and not read it to the end. Grin

AynRandTheObjectivist · 07/10/2018 21:53

I'd keep it to private message (text or otherwise) directly to the people for whom it applies. If nothing else, you can then be sure that they'll see it.

Original poster
justwantcheesee · 07/10/2018 22:13

Thanks for he advice guys. I'll keep it for when they ask and try to be more clear.
I didn't know if being as clear as please don't buy them gifts may come across as rude or ungrateful but it is the message I want to send across. Kids always end up with enough I don't want anybody worrying in October I'd rather they just popped round instead of us having to visit everybody else l the frigging time Grin

OP posts:
MrsDeanWinchester75 · 07/10/2018 22:17

It reads like one of those copy and paste posts so I would read the first line and scroll by.

As others have said you'd be better you contact people directly.

We agreed amongst the family a few years back to not buy for each other, it's saved lots of stress and money all round.

ImNotonLinkedInNo · 07/10/2018 22:21

I agree FB is the wrong medium. If I weren't your closest friend I'd have no idea if it applied to me or not. Was it a summons, an invite? was I included in the invite or was it for closer friends, and should I not buy a present then as I'd take it you don't want to reciprocate..... but what if I don't buy a present but don't visit. It'd only be out of uncertainty, but how would that go down!?

So..................... send the message but personalise it and send it to invidivuals!

NonaGrey · 08/10/2018 07:59

If you want people to “pop round” you might also need to be more specific eg “we’ll be at home for visitors for Christmas drinks and nibbles between 2-5pm on Sat”

People are really busy at Christmas if you want them to fit you in you might just need to be direct.

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