Are we the only family where kids only get Christmas presents from us?

[OkToday]

We can't be the only family but it certainly feels like it. I have read a lot of threads where people are listing what they have got their kids and what family members have got their kids and I feel so guilty my kids don't have that. I can't change it so I don't know why I feel so shit about it but I do, I would love for my kids to have loving grandparents but they don't. I hate the horrible jealous feeling I get when I read these threads because on the whole I'm not a jealous person, I guess I feel guilty for not being able to provide a proper family for my kids. They have asked why they don't have grandparents etc so they are aware they're different which I think fuels my guilt and leaves me with the feeling of not being good enough.

Did you get presents from lots of relatives? I didn't. My kids did when they were very small but they're ten and 14 now and it's stopped sadly. I think they do like it. So I'm no help at all! Sorry.

I don't think this is about the presents honestly I think it is more about my kids not being loved.

Do they have grandparents? Aunts and uncles? If they have these people but they just don't buy for them I would buy something small and package up as though it was from them. A selection pack or something like that.

It sounds as though your kids are very much loved by you OP.

All families are different. Some shower kids with piles of presents, some don't.

If you don't have family around, could you invite a few friends/parents of other kids round and do a Secret Santa? Or if you have a friend who your children are especially fond of, maybe you could talk to them about exchanging little gifts. It doesn't have to be expensive. You and your DC could make some cakes or tree decorations to give to a friend or neighbour.

We are the same as you. Remember there is no thing as a proper family, as long as your kids feel loved by you then all will be ok. Make Christmas as you want it, with magic and memories.

No they don't really which is sad but something I can't change. I lost my mum when my oldest dd was a baby and my dad buggered off with another women shortly after and just doesn't bother with us anymore, I have had 2 more children since then and he hasn't ever wanted to meet them. I have a sister who we don't see my dad still keeps in contact with her and buys for her child, I also send birthday and Christmas Presents which I am not thanked for and don't even get a card in return. On their dad's side well he was in care because of neglect so has no contact with his parents.

When I was growing up we only received presents from our mum and dad and siblings. Reason: Dad's family didn't celebrate Christmas and lived in another country and mum's family started off sending things (from a European country) when we were tiny but it must have trailed off as I don't remember receiving from them unless we spent Christmas with them. And the thing is, I never even noticed as a kid. My mum was complaining about it the other day - how rubbish her family was at this, because we buy for nieces/nephews/grandparents etc and my children receive from many family members.

So OP I would just say your kids won't mind if you shower them with love and make Christmas as special as you can (and that doesn't mean spending too much to make up for missing family). All families are different after all.