Mil standing at window

[Spied]

Just received a text from mil telling me herself and fil would be visiting in the morning to stand at the window and watch the dc open their presents (of which none are from them as they don't do gifts. They put money in an envelope).
Would it be unreasonable to keep the blinds shut and ignore any door knocking?

That's a bit weird isn't it. How old are your kids? Young enough for Santa and surely they'll be up and unwrapping before 6am. Too old for Santa, its not like they're going to have magical 'wow' faces. Maybe compromise and offer to video it?

Oh gosh hilarious op!

POor things I do feel for them but how odd...maybe let them, like the big brother house - after a while they forget the cameras are there.

Yeah, if you want to completely torpedo your relationship, go ahead. It's a bit weird, but what a freaking miserable christmas this will be for them, why not let them have a bit of second-hand joy?

"Would it be unreasonable to keep the blinds shut and ignore any door knocking?"
No.

"Sorry, we keep the curtains closed for maximum economy."

Maybe they think it is some kind of side show! I'd hate to be watched like that. I would encourage them to stay in the warm at home, and say you'll send footage via whatsapp/facebook of them opening their gifts.

I can't decide if I find that funny or horrifying!

Cant they video chat instead and just have a tablet or phone set up? Standing at the window is really weird and will be confusing if your kids are young.

This could scar your kids for life. I'm just imagining them telling their own grandkids " in the old days family used to come and watch us through the window! How utterly odd

Ha ha. That will be a strange sight.
I assume they're not in your bubble?

How can you possibly know what time the kids will be up for them be spied on??? I would reply. Please don't , I will take a video or some pics and send to you.

Hopefully it's pissing down with rain and they will be put off.

Oh God, I don't know about this. It depends on the back story. Do you usually get on well with them,and are they usually there on Christmas morning?

I am sorry but we are trying to keep a sense of normality for our children and not cause anxiety about covid.

I would respond as above.

Super creepy. Reply saying no! Surely gifts will be over before they are up and about?!

Classic MN MIL haters out in force I see. Presumably there's a back story that you hate your in laws or something. It's a bit of a strange suggestion but some of the comments are just spiteful. My in laws are devastated they haven't seen their grandchildren this year.

Depends on the circumstances. Do they normally come over Christmas morning to see the kids? If so they are probably sad they'll miss it, if not then yes it's strange.

The weather is going to be pretty hideous for most of the country tomorrow. Will they expect you to invite them in as they’re there anyway?

I would actually say you’re being unreasonable as they sent money so surely you should have bought some gifts from them with that? And offered to Zoom or similar to let them see their grandchildren open some gifts.
In saying that- i think them being outside might upset the kids. So on that note I’d be suggesting a video call at an Arranged time.

I shouldn't but this has made me laugh so much.

"Ok no problem. DC generally get up at 5am so if you could be there for 4.45 to be ready we'll open the curtains."

Compromise send video of kids opening gifts and zoom later?
Bit presumptuous of them to tell you rather than ask

Only if you return the money they gave your kids. Can’t have it both ways.

I think I'd offer to facetime/ whatsapp video call the present opening instead. That's what we're doing for my mum and dad, starting with our cheesey Xmas Eve 'disco' this evening. I wish they were here, they wish they could be here, the kids wish they were here, this is the closest I can get to making it happen. Maybe your ILs would go for that?

Do they usually watch or has she just decided to try voyeurism for a bit?

@LindaEllen

"Ok no problem. DC generally get up at 5am so if you could be there for 4.45 to be ready we'll open the curtains."

This has really made me chuckle