Exchanging presents but not meeting up

[Northerndownhere]

Does anyone only exchange Christmas presents via parcel delivery or via other relatives picking up and dropping off presents at Christmas with no intention of meeting up? I am disappointed that I'm being asked to exchange presents but no actual arrangement of meeting up and socialising. This isn't abroad or even more than 10 miles away. No falling out or bad feeling, just total indifference and no relationship at all. It seems so uncaring and frankly dare I say grabby. I have no interest in presents themselves, I would rather the socialising and care to be shown to myself and DC (one has disabilities). No DH as I'm divorced.

I don't think AIBU but growing up in a toxic family has been questioning myself well into my 50s.

Thanks. I know I need to ask myself what is good enough for me and my DC, and my own wellbeing and sense of worth.

Over this school holiday, me and DC met up with various friends and acquaintances. All of these people have shown more care and friendship than any family members. It has hit home what real relationships are meant to look like and how much energy I've wasted.

No.i wouldn't do this. Knock the presents on the head. It's a farce go and buy what you want yourselves and let them do the same.
Also if there is no passion, want and desire to meet up.let that go too.

Sorry you're going through this OP, I hope you can just let them go and get some peace.
Some siblings are great, but I see so many where blood really isn't thicker than water. They either don't care, or are horrible people. As soon as people stop trying to force relationships that aren't reciprocated, they are happier. Concentrate on your friends who do care.

@Northerndownhere yes, get a refund on the gifts. That will help with closure. Treat yourself to something instead.

Yes I'm tempted to but I can't live with the anxiety of then being asked to meet. Slim chance of that but that would be just my luck. It says it all doesn’t it, not knowing where the hell I stand.

Thank you for your reply. Definitely a mixture of not caring and being horrible in equal measure. I won't force it anymore. It is using up my energy and dragging me down I must admit.

@Northerndownhere And life is far too short to feel like that
I don't have anyone in my life who brings negative vibes and it is so much better.

@Northerndownhere if that happens, replace them (it won’t). Or, say you gave them to charity and have decided not to do gifts in future.

I say return the gifts for a refund - partly out of principle but also because you can use it as a "freeing gesture" a symbol of "that's the end of doing and being like that, no more"

Good luck OP and Happy New Year to you 💐