My children haven't been wowed at all today :(

[Jaffacakesareyummy]

I think I got it totally wrong, youngest 4, really hasn't been sure what they wanted when asked for months, and today again hasn't seemed at all impressed with anything.

Eldest 7 has been miffed all day that Santa forgot 1 impossible gift yet dispite some lovely gifts has appeared in search if something else all day.

I'm totally annoyed, feel like they are either ungrateful, or I am a total failure and don't know my kids well enough. :(

Expecting kids to act grateful when they don't feel it is nonsense.

Mrsdevere - nail on head.

Expecting kids to act grateful when they don't feel it is nonsense.

Feeling one, socially inappropriate, emotion and replacing it with the outward traits of another, more appropriate one is a life skill.

I wouldn't expect them to just do it, but I would expect them to be taught and learn.

My DD now a teen had these ungrateful moments I think its so hyped they are ratty and over tired .It does change she gets loads in her stocking but its all essentials (knickers,socks,pjs etc) but is very grateful now probably as she knows no FC and actually sleeps the night before.
Don't worry about it.There are always children with more/less they just concentrate on the more ones you can't compete with.

How true CakeLady1 -it looks like something out of Hello Magazine -much better to relax and have a nice time!
Get the children involved-I find they are as excited about giving as receiving.
I have never had an ungrateful DC, but I can't help thinking that many have unrealistic expectations that can't be met -adults and children.
Having read all the misery on MN about people not liking their presents, not getting back at the same level as they sent and-in one extreme case-opening their DCs present first and deeming it unequal and unsuitable! It is surprising how many people expect children to have more mature reactions than adults!
It is justone day with nice food and presents and family.

My youngest dd 4 was chuffed to bits that Santa had left her a banana in her stocking and went on about it all day.

I am sick of the competitiveness about who has bought their kids the most, who has had the perfect christmas.

Mine this year have had not a lot, I don't do Argos catalogue pick and choose your presents shit, the youngest are told we buy the presents and Santa delivers them. We didn't have a table to eat from as we only have a front room as we sleep in the dining room now. Coffee table was our table and we sat on the floor to eat. Kid remember the good and bad times and not always the presents imo. Its also snowed today and that's what my kids will remember about this christmas

Liking your post too Mehi - "just one day with nice food and presents and family"
As a daily gratitudes thread poster I think it would help many of us if we remember that if we have those things we're very fortunate.
Like others we lost someone this year so that makes Christmas genuinely challenging.
People need a sense of perspective. Sadly this is often hard won in life.

Devora and Marfish really helpful posts thank you so much x thank you for all helpful comments too