Right that's it! I'm not fucking doing Christmas anymore! throws toys out of pram...

[SparklyReindeerShit]

I'm fucking sick of it.
Every pissing years the same yes I need to learn for next year
Starts with people messaging 'let's just buy for the dc's birthdays from now on' I've already bought and wrapped your dc's presents.

ITS TWO FUCKING WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!

Aargh.

Now dh's family are making noises to get out of meeting up. Not that I've spent hours choosing buying and wrapping presents for you ungrateful fuckers. Oh no. I've got all the time in the world to be waiting until the last pissing minute to rush out and do it when you deign to let me know you want to meet up. Yes, with a toddler and newborn I can be sooooo spontaneous these days

I'm just so MAD if you hadn't worked that out

I'm fucking writing this all in my Christmas planner for next year you bastards and we'll see if you get anything then won't we.

Also pisses me off when I give their child a present 'oh I've not bothered this year as yours don't need anything'
Well no, they don't but neither do your but I've bothered to.

Honestly, it's not about my dc getting presents but this happens every bloody year. I just wish come January September people would be honest and say 'let's not bother' then no one ends up messing about.

This isn't something I have ever experienced, but if it had happened to me I would feel relieved not to have to buy so much next and subsequent years. I would be annoyed at the flakiness and 'last minute' arrangement to meet up, though. If they want to mess about, do what you want to do. If their date and time doesn't suit you, say that you won't be able to make it/already have plans for then. Don't go just because you feel obliged to. It's not your fault they can't organise themselves. For DH'S relatives, be guided by what he wants to do. He may be as fed up with their faffing as you are!

As suggested above, use what you have already bought for birthdays, or if there is anything you could give to your DC or save for when a little older do that. Take things back for a refund if you can get one. Or give to toy appeal/charity, imagine the relatives faces when you say 'I gave your gifts to charity.' Do take them at their word about the gifts, it will make things so much easier for you in terms of expense and shopping. As your DC grow up the money you save could be spent on Christmas outings, panto, etc.

Ok I've been for a stomp walk and feel a bit better
Great ideas about donating which I think I'll do if there's any more messing about with friends. Bit late I'm afraid - as I handed hers over (for her dc) was when she chose to tell me. Not during any conversations we'd had organising the meet up, me explaining I'd bring gifts etc.

Wrt dh's family, it's odd to say the least. Not that they don't talk but he doesn't really see them. I take the kids every so often so they can get to know family but maybe I shouldn't bother? I don't know.
Anyway! I'll put my toys back in the pram now eh? bloody Christmas madness.

Thanks again