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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Why are so many parents/children upset today regarding presents?

141 replies

Joinedforthis2021 · 25/12/2021 09:37

Quite a few threads already about parents being upset with the reaction of their children when opening presents.

Im intrigued what the root cause of this is?

Society pressures?

Parents wanting to go the extra mile on trying to make it extra special?

Please just remember it's one day.. Aslobg as we have good health..what does it matter? Please don't stress and try and enjoy the day.

OP posts:
Hedgesfullofbirds · 25/12/2021 10:00

@LockheartFlowers

SlashBeef · 25/12/2021 10:01

My kids are really happy Smile I didn't buy as much this year and I was worried it would be a bit underwhelming. They are all thrilled and playing quietly now so I'm really pleased. It was so nice to see our toddler understand it more this year. She opened her own presents and was genuinely excited Xmas Smile all good here!

LegoPandemic · 25/12/2021 10:03

DS9 is overjoyed with his. He keeps saying it’s the best Christmas ever!
Sonic screwdriver and Lego Strangee Thinga for the win.

EllieQuinn · 25/12/2021 10:03

One of my kids’ stocking presents were face flannels- no idea why, we have lots, but they requested them. They are 9 and 6 and were over the moon! Later on after opening a fantastic big Lego box my 6 yo claimed it was the worst day of his life. That’s just kids for you I think.

Pegsonstrings · 25/12/2021 10:06

I would say it’s the Hollywood movies where this idea of Disney Christmas is delivered for approximately 90 minutes, then when it comes to reality most parents cannot afford to deliver that scenario resulting in unhappy couples and children.

I found myself there this year where I felt I had not delivered due to family being so far away. But as a Lutheran we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. It’s about hygge, reading books and family games and good food. I am going to lean on that idea from now on and stuff the rest. Marry Christmas everyone

parrotonmyshoulder · 25/12/2021 10:06

There’s another thread in which posters manage to blame teachers for this phenomenon.
In my house it’s mostly being tired from too much fun yesterday, mixed with a bit of existential realisation that you’re growing up and didn’t ask for toys this year.

Tal45 · 25/12/2021 10:08

People think having a child with ASD must be difficult but mine's a dream, lego every year for as long as I can remember for birthday and Christmas and he's as happy as Larry.

Soubriquet · 25/12/2021 10:13

Everyone is over the moon here (children only. No adult presents)

They are so happy they got what they wanted and more.

Original poster
Joinedforthis2021 · 25/12/2021 10:14

@parrotonmyshoulder

There’s another thread in which posters manage to blame teachers for this phenomenon. In my house it’s mostly being tired from too much fun yesterday, mixed with a bit of existential realisation that you’re growing up and didn’t ask for toys this year.
Teachers? Wow.. Just wow..
OP posts:
dottiedodah · 25/12/2021 10:18

I read that by this afternoon the Internet will be its busiest ,with people trying to sell unwanted presents! This seems awfully sad to me . So many people have very little or are in difficult circumstances . A little gratitude goes a long way!

Newnormal99 · 25/12/2021 10:20

My daughters were happy with all their bits even the little ones. My oldest DD (14) was most pleased with the mens skeleton pj's I got her (in half desperation) as I couldn't find the requested onesie. I was a bit worried it would be ok but not what she wanted. Apparently they are even better than a skeleton onesie.

Also some surprise little skull and dagger earrings went down really well.

The youngest was pleased with the figit cube that I spent 6 weeks checking the smyths website every couple
Of days to check for it coming back into stock.

Uninterested · 25/12/2021 10:21

Lots of adults get stressed by presents and don't like surprises. It's not surprising some kids do too.
It's all very overwhelming

Uninterested · 25/12/2021 10:23

@Lockheart Sorry to hear about your Dad. 💐

MummyInTheNecropolis · 25/12/2021 10:24

My 16 year old dedicates 364 days a year to being miserable and ungrateful, luckily she takes a break for Christmas and is happy and thrilled and full of gratitude. I’ll make the most of it while it lasts! Grin

Luredbyapomegranate · 25/12/2021 10:26

I know…

I’ve never had this, I wonder if it’s something to do with opening everything in the morning - does it make the day too much about presents?

When they were little ours were allowed to open 1 or 2 things, but everything else waited till after dinner. Also surprised by how many stockings contain proper big stuff.

IamGusFring · 25/12/2021 10:27

@EllieQuinn

One of my kids’ stocking presents were face flannels- no idea why, we have lots, but they requested them. They are 9 and 6 and were over the moon! Later on after opening a fantastic big Lego box my 6 yo claimed it was the worst day of his life. That’s just kids for you I think.
😂😂😂😂😂 sorry but it is funny
BitcherOfBlakiven · 25/12/2021 10:28

Yep, mine are all happy too Grin

Had to send DD2 to her sensory tent for an hour as she was getting overwhelmed - which leads to her being very snarky to her sisters. I cleared the wrapping paper, put her and elder DDs gifts back in their Santa sacks, unboxed younger DDs and she’s come back down very happy now the chaos has subsided somewhat.

We’re now watching A Very Murray Christmas on Netflix for some downtime before I start making dinner,

Guttedbuyer · 25/12/2021 10:30

Happy girls here!

SilverDragonfly1 · 25/12/2021 10:30

I think there will be more disappointment than usual today as after last christmas people (including me!) want this one to be absolutely wonderful.

BorderlineHappy · 25/12/2021 10:31

I think sometimes it comes down to the ages of the kids.
Mine are older and they got money this year.
They're delighted with that.
They can go out and pick their own things.

AsanteSana · 25/12/2021 10:32

What @dottiedodah said - so many people around the world, including here, if you are in the UK, struggling with many things, including the basics for human life, like lacking food, shelter or water. Spare a thought.

PotatoOfTheNight · 25/12/2021 10:32

I think there's a whiff of horseshit about some of those threads. Probably a desperate journo

Boogaloony · 25/12/2021 10:32

My kids are ash delighted with their gifts and we've already been to see family and they were gracious in accepting gifts from them too. I would never forgive them if they sneered or grimaced at a gift from ANYBODY. I don't care if you have ten of the same item at home, it's the wrong size etc, that exact moment is not the second to say anything. You smile, say thank you and give them their gift. My 18 yo old even managed to smile for 3 Lynx Africa/Gillette gift sets as he knows the people buying them love him and are far from well off. It's within their small budget and something that he will use through the year even if it isn't his first choice of smell etc. He also got a pair of much coveted converse from his grand parents and was very thankful but not over the top so as not to offend the others. Gift giving can be a mind field and I feel it's very important to instil just how to be grateful and gracious and about being rude.

labazslovesliving · 25/12/2021 10:33

Different era perhaps? I would never have dreamed of complaining about my gifts either from parents or other relatives when I was young don't know. I always was taught to be grateful and make the best of it. i rarely get much in the way of gifts now but I always take into account the thought and effort of choosing them

sweetbellyhigh · 25/12/2021 10:33

@EllieQuinn

One of my kids’ stocking presents were face flannels- no idea why, we have lots, but they requested them. They are 9 and 6 and were over the moon! Later on after opening a fantastic big Lego box my 6 yo claimed it was the worst day of his life. That’s just kids for you I think.
Oh I just LOVE how children get so excited about little things, it's gorgeous. Bless them and their flannels 😂

As for the worst day of his life Lego set, that'll go down in the family vault of stories! you have to wonder what goes through their minds...