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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To keep some of the kids stocking fillers back for next year?

65 replies

IHaveAToiletBrush · 07/12/2016 11:07

Started wrapped the stockings today and didn't realise how much I had bought for them. I added up the total cost and divided it 3 ways as have 3 kids and it comes to £87.66 each stocking plus a gift bag with around £15 worth of sweets, chocolate and a couple of cans of fizzy drink in each. AIBU to keep some stuff back for next year or return it as to not increase their expectations for the stocking?

OP posts:

Benedikte2 · 07/12/2016 12:57

Flower, in our family the custom is to put FC gifts in pillow case and other gifts under tree. If FC brought an xtra large gift that might be under the tree. Gifts under tree opened as a family and thanks given to giver.
Used to wonder how I didn't hear FC filling my pillow case until my DM explained she swapped the empty one for the stuffed. So obvious! Good reason not to have a fancy named sack.
We were named hand knitted stockings and these were used for sweets, tiny novelty gifts etc and opened, one a day, between Christmas and New Year which provided a quiet let down after Christmas.

MrsJayy · 07/12/2016 13:00

Mine had sacks mil made them at her craft group so we never did stocking s some years depending what they got it all went in the sack

scoobdoob · 07/12/2016 13:07

Right decision! Just let them (and enjoy) enjoy them. No guilt needed

KayTee87 · 07/12/2016 13:36

Oh op since your update give them it all and enjoy your Christmas. I hope you find something lovely for your wonderful husband too.

Happymumof3tobe · 07/12/2016 13:38

No don't feel bad! Just give them to them! Or take a few things out and distribute throughout the year for rainy days. There's nothing wrong with wanting to make them happy. I don't see anything wrong with it. If you haven't put yourself in debt by doing so then what's the problem? And they don't have thing from other family members that other kid get. Just enjoy your family day x

Original poster

IHaveAToiletBrush · 07/12/2016 13:52

Yes we can afford it and that feels so good to say, everything was paid for on debit card all bills are paid and money in the saving account for the first time in several years.

I spoke to dh on his lunch break and he is so pleased I have come to the right decision, his exact words. He said it was he wanted all along but I had to let my guilt of past years go and embrace what we have this Christmas in my own time. Then he reminded me off when we went to Smyths recently to buy our 10 year dd the Our generation horse stable, horse and horse riding doll she has wanted for the past 3 Christmas and birthdays and how I will grinning all the way round like I had won the lotto jackpot. So thank you again for being so kind.

OP posts:

LittleReindeerwithcloggson · 07/12/2016 13:52

Op, I would definitely give all the presents but I would give a bit less from Santa and either give more of them from you or give them to the children to give to each other as presents. They will probably love being able to give their siblings presents. Or maybe do a Christmas Eve box from you?
That will help you to manage expectations if you have rough times again. Also the youngest might think they were naughty last year if they didn't get much. If Santa only brings a few things every year then that's not a problem
One way or another though I would definitely give it all to the kids - you all deserve it!

StarlingMurderation · 07/12/2016 18:24

Hi liquid, it's more that I'm worried about them being unsafe to put in his cot for him to open on his own (though he'd just shout for us as soon as he wakes anyway!). He does have some toys for age three plus, things like his brio train set, but a lot of the cheapo stocking fillers are a bit more breakable!

OSETmum · 07/12/2016 20:30

Awww you and your family sound lovely. I'd give them the lot, although it does sound like you have a LOT of sweets! So I'd either donate them like you were thinking and help make someone else's Christmas better or just put them out in bowls for over the Christmas period. Don't feel guilty about keeping things you all sound like you bloody deserve it!

The only reason I'd hold things back for next year is if you think that you may be struggling again by next year (I hope not!).

buttercup54321 · 07/12/2016 21:09

Just give it to them. They will forget how much they had in a week , never mind remembering it until next Christmas

mygorgeousmilo · 07/12/2016 21:58

I think you need more unicorns 🦄

littlesallyracket · 07/12/2016 23:33

You know what, when I first read what you'd got them just for their stockings I thought "Blimey, they're a bit spoilt..." and then I read what you said about last Christmas and how good they were and needless to say, I completely changed my mind (and also I think I might have something in my eye, ahem... ).

Give them the lot and tell them it's an extra special Christmas this year because they were so good and so understanding last time that Mum, Dad and Father Christmas wanted to make up for it.

You sound lovely and so do your kids. Have a very merry Christmas; it sounds like you all deserve it.

MiscellaneousAssortment · 07/12/2016 23:42

Good decision

Just make sure they know it's to make up for past not a benchmark for the future!

I've over bought for my DS too, to compensate for other horrible stuff he's going through, and have been beating myself up over my failure to restrain myself, but maybe I should relax a bit!

RortyCrankle · 08/12/2016 00:13

THIS - this thread is what Christmas is really all about. Forget all the other crap and have an amazing Christmas Day when all your DCs' dreams come true.

Happy Christmas OP

MrEBear · 08/12/2016 07:53

Op have a fantastic Christmas it really does sound like your family deserves it. I'd maybe give the PJ's on Christmas Eve just so they look good in the photos on Christmas morning.

Starling stockings for 2 year old, I wouldn't put it in the cot. I'd leave it on the outside, so when they wake, go to get them you can pick up the stocking and them and open together on your bed. At that age my DS was over the moon with his stocking.

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