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After The Family Leaves

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djkent01

Well-Known Member
Feb 21, 2008
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Des Moines, IA
I love my family dearly and enjoyed every minute they were here. It was a joy.

But before they left I was nearly curled up in a fetal position. And this is what I did as soon as they were gone.

I think I smoked the cigarette in two drags.

Any other experiences???

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Big glass of this, neat.

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For a father of three, ages 1 to 7, it's more about "after I unload the van and figure out what we're going to do with all the new stuff that should have never been purchased." Then, once we finally get creative enough to find place for the new stuff, it's what do we do with all the stuff that should have never been purchased in prior years.

Having basically grown up poor on a small family farm, modern Christmas excess makes me edgy.
 
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psychlone99 said:
For a father of three, ages 1 to 7, it's more about "after I unload the van and figure out what we're going to do with all the new stuff that should have never been purchased." Then, once we finally get creative enough to find place for the new stuff, it's what do we do with all the stuff that should have never been purchased in prior years.

Having basically grown up poor on a small family farm, modern Christmas excess makes me edgy.
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I asked my husband last night if the overwhelming number of gifts bestowed on the grandkids by his parents was typical to his childhood. Nope. I think we got 3-5 gifts worth maybe 50-75 total. And that was our big holiday, didn't really do birthday presents. I think you nailed it on the edginess. Plus I could tell my nieces didn't even care what they were opening after the first couple because they had such a sheer volume to get through. I have no idea where their parents put it each year when they get home! Already trying to find strategies to reduce the amount by the time we have kids.
 
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psychlone99 said:
For a father of three, ages 1 to 7, it's more about "after I unload the van and figure out what we're going to do with all the new stuff that should have never been purchased." Then, once we finally get creative enough to find place for the new stuff, it's what do we do with all the stuff that should have never been purchased in prior years.

Having basically grown up poor on a small family farm, modern Christmas excess makes me edgy.
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Agree.
 
cowgirl836 said:
I asked my husband last night if the overwhelming number of gifts bestowed on the grandkids by his parents was typical to his childhood. Nope. I think we got 3-5 gifts worth maybe 50-75 total. And that was our big holiday, didn't really do birthday presents. I think you nailed it on the edginess. Plus I could tell my nieces didn't even care what they were opening after the first couple because they had such a sheer volume to get through. I have no idea where their parents put it each year when they get home! Already trying to find strategies to reduce the amount by the time we have kids.
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By his parents, maybe not. But grandparents have spoiled grandkids for generations. It's what they do.

The trick is to let it be known up front that any gift given that we do not have room for is subject to be left at the grandparents house to play with when visiting.

As parents, we've been encouraging the practice of three gifts with he rationale of that's what Jesus got from the wisemen. It's worked for us, now we just need to get the grandparents on board as well.
 
Clonehomer said:
By his parents, maybe not. But grandparents have spoiled grandkids for generations. It's what they do.

The trick is to let it be known up front that any gift given that we do not have room for is subject to be left at the grandparents house to play with when visiting.

As parents, we've been encouraging the practice of three gifts with he rationale of that's what Jesus got from the wisemen. It's worked for us, now we just need to get the grandparents on board as well.
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I didn't really have grandparents involved for much of my childhood so it's been crazy for me to watch.
 
I dont have kids yet, however, have several nieces and nephews (8) and its redic the amount of presents. My plan is to never have to buy my kids clothes and only we can buy them toys. It wont work i know but good thought. Were finally switching to secret santa next year so we dont have to buy bros/sis presents whcih I enjoy doing, its just they are all rich and would buy whatever they need themselves so its become buying funny presents that cost a lot.
 
We are the ones leaving with way too much stuff to bring back. Doesn't help my parents have an entire basement room filled with toys that my dad tries to clean out every time we come and visit. Our house is large enough but not really set up for a toy room. I mean we could but my drums look way better in their own room.
 
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Some older friends once gave us advice -- keep your out of state stays in family or friend's homes to a 3-day maximum, and also three days maximum when you invite them into your home

Anything after that gets weird and awkward

~which is why we always try to stay at a hotel instead
 
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It is time for a large soothing mug of green tea. A cup simply is not large enough with my grandchildren!
 
cowgirl836 said:
I didn't really have grandparents involved for much of my childhood so it's been crazy for me to watch.
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I'm a trailer, so I have nephews very close to my age. When you are in your 9-12 year old range, it's hard understanding why these other kids get so much more than you and didn't have to do any work around the farm.
 
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