Is this 'typical' grandparent behaviour?

[NannaNoodleman]

DS & DD don't see their paternal grandparents much. There's a history but I just wanted an unbiased consensus:

DH has just got back from taking the children to see their grandparents. They'd left their Christmas decorations up to have a belated Christmas.

They told the kids that Santa came to their house because they (the children) were visiting.

They bought the kids £100s worth of gifts.

Is this 'typical' of grandparents? It's very different from how my parents behave so just trying to gage!

I am really pissed off about the Santa thing because:

1. Santa only brings one gift per child in our house, the other presents are from whoever they're from (DH did have a word with them but the seed had already been planted)
   
2. why didn't Santa leave gifts at their other grandparents?
   
3. the insinuation of "if you go to grandparents, Santa visits.

[pallisers]

So totally logical and correct that Santa may have delivered a set of presents to Grandparents house for them visiting for a belated Christmas.

in our world that would be weird as hell.

Glad you got the bitter jealous and ungrateful shit in though - nothing like the spirit of christmas - santa really makes people better doesn't he.

[SomeoneBurntTheToastAgain]

So... your parents in law tried to do something nice for your kids whom they barely see... and you're annoyed.

Wow. Just wow.

There are bigger problems in this world. Get a grip.

[Reallynowdear]

Normal behaviour from Grandparents, it sounds as if they have gone to a lot of effort to ensure your children had a lovely day.

Did your children enjoy themselves?

[Justmuddlingalong]

The "history" you mentioned is clearly clouding your judgment. It sounds like your DH's parents can't do right for doing wrong.

[NannaNoodleman]

The kids are 4&3.

There's a huge back story but I just wanted opinions whether this instance is typical or not.

Other people have said it's a tad treading on toes with the volume of gifts and claiming Santa has visited them... I'm aware Santa is fictional but my preschoolers don't.

In this instance it looks like just wanted to spoil their grandchildren and this is typical (grandparents in my family don't usually spoil in gifts, more spoil with their time/activities/indulgences).

[zeddybrek]

Grandparents spolit their grandchildren who they don't see very often. Don't see what the problem is. It's Santa related nothing serious surely.

[NannaNoodleman]

Yes, of course our history clouds my judgment, which is why I'm seeking advice.

[DrKnickerbocker]

You're looking at this through adult eyes.

To your DC - they've been to DGPs, Santa visited them too and they've had a second Christmas. Loads of fun.

It really isn't an issue. Will only be a big deal if you make it one.

[Nonnymum]

I dont see a problem really. I have grandchildren and I wouldn't mind if their other grandparents did this. I would just be pleased for them. Also if they don't see their grandchildren much they probably just want them to spoil them and make their time together memorable.

[Justmuddlingalong]

And my advice was that the history was making you look for a problem that most people wouldn't have. Are you NC with your IL's and your DH takes the kids to see their paternal GPs?

[Pipandmum]

If the kids are questioning the logic behind Santa visiting their grandparents late then they are questioning the existence of santa, and applying logic is often how kids figure out there is no Santa. If the kids accept the scenario at face value then leave it, don't make up convoluted lies.

[PattiPrice]

NannaNoodleman

You are being far too logical. People just want to name call you. You must kick up a fuss so they have ‘further evidence’ of your unreasonableness!

[NannaNoodleman]

There's been no drama.

This happened, the weekend is over, I just wanted opinions on whether it was typical.

It's not like I stormed in yelling "the only thing Santa would leave in your house is a pile of shit, you bastards".

As I said, all the grandparents I know don't spend that much on gifts and don't say that Santa goes to their house... they obviously got carried away in the excitement.

In our house, Santa leaves one gift. That's it!

[Tricicorn]

DGC visited before Christmas. I had my tree up early for them to see and put chocolate decorations on it for them to take home. I gave my presents for them to DD &SIL to take back with them. The DGC were told they were from Grandma. I wouldn’t have thought to say Santa had called in early to leave their presents. Santa made one visit and that was to their own house. They’re under 5s though so think that would be confusing too.

I spend about £40-50 each on DGCs Xmas presents. I pretty much know what they’re likely to enjoy but always tell DD first what I’m thinking about getting. I don’t think it’s unusual to want to make things special and spoil DGC a bit . It’s hard not to sometimes. Santa though is for parents and DC to do imo though every family does things their own way.

[evertonlady]

I think I would be pretty pissed off too. I think they should have at least checked with you if it was okay.

[SallyWD]

I think what they did was lovely.

[Namechanger212333333333]

They won’t know Santa only brings one gift will they?

I think despite anything that might have gone on that it’s lovely they are keeping the magic alive

[SoloMummy]

1) Santa only brings one gift per child in our house, the other presents are from whoever they're from (DH did have a word with them but the seed had already been planted)
That's your choice, but others do differently. I think yabu given it was obvious that something along those lines would happen if they've left the decorations etc up.
2) why didn't Santa leave gifts at their other grandparents?
You use that logic the children haven't and no doubt would unless you plant the seed....
3) the insinuation of "if you go to grandparents, Santa visits.
Only if they only get an annual visit....

.In this instance it looks like just wanted to spoil their grandchildren and this is typical (grandparents in my family don't usually spoil in gifts, more spoil with their time/activities/indulgences).
The difference is your family have had that opportunity.... His haven't.

[Namechanger212333333333]

I’d a;so imagine you have an issue with them given you didn’t visit too?

[NannaNoodleman]

I've clearly stated there's a backstory and my judgement of them is clouded

[CherryPavlova]

Be grateful. Ours were never generous but friends children received lots of very generous gifts including scooters, Wendy houses, climbing frames bicycles, computers, expensive items for activities throughout childhood.
Why would you want to be upset about generosity?

[NannaNoodleman]

How do you know they don't have the opportunity? Maybe they don't take the opportunity?

... if my DH & I have decided that on our house Santa brings one gift then that's what happens in our house. It doesn't matter what other people do. Their Santa can do what he likes.

[eaglejulesk]

What FATEdestiny said.

You sound rather ungrateful and hard work tbh. Just be happy they gave gifts, don't worry about the whole Santa thing!

[sorenipples]

It would be different if they had asked first, but replaying Christmas with them as parents seems off to me and undermining of you and your dh the parents.

They might be loving grandparents, but I am not sure they are good supportive parents.

[NannaNoodleman]

I get worried about generosity that involves money or gifts Vs what we now owe them.

... but they were probably just trying to genuinely spoil them.