to want to stop sending christmas presents to my step-sisters children, as she takes the labels off

[NappyShedSal]

My step sister tells her children that all christmas presents come from Father Christmas. So she takes off any labels that are attached to the presents so that the children don't know they have come from someone else. She lives abroad so I have to post the presents, otherwise I'd hand them to the children themselves. Now, I know that it's her family's tradition. But a little bit of me feels like not bothering to get nice presents as the children don't know that I've gone to the effort.

I don't think that everyone necessarily sends cards, but surely everyone at least says thank you, in person or on the phone? I'd be very sad to give someone a present and not have any acknowledgment, and usually that's a two way thing at Christmas when most present giving is mutual. My children get very excited to know whether the presents they have made or chosen appealed to their relatives - the secret and surprise of giving is a big highlight of Christmas.