Is it strange to not like receiving gifts

rob316

As the title says does anyone else just not like this Christmas gift exchange ritual. Year after year swapping gifts with siblings and OH, just seems absolutely pointless. The 10 mins on Christmas morning of the gift exchanges adds nothing to my day.

I told everyone this year I don't want anything and don't expect anything back. 9 times out of 10 your getting something you don't want. I'm very much of the thinking if I want something I'll just get it myself.

and I absolutely love Christmas, spending money on my child, eating and drinking like a king with my family.

Not just Christmas, don't do birthdays either.

retro:electro

Love giving gifts but I genuinely dislike receiving them. And that’s not me being all coy like ament I so generous. I just go pure awkward and genuinely hate the thoughts of someone rushing around town trying to think of something to buy me. If I want something enough I usually buy it myself.

mad muffin

Years ago I stopped with the gift giving and told my friends and family I’ll get myself something and you guys get what ever it is you want for yourself.

I’ve been receiving the best gifts ever since

Babooshka

rob316 wrote: »

As the title says does anyone else just not like this Christmas gift exchange ritual. Year after year swapping gifts with siblings and OH, just seems absolutely pointless. The 10 mins on Christmas morning of the gift exchanges adds nothing to my day.

I told everyone this year I don't want anything and don't expect anything back. 9 times out of 10 your getting something you don't want. I'm very much of the thinking if I want something I'll just get it myself.

and I absolutely love Christmas, spending money on my child, eating and drinking like a king with my family.

Not just Christmas, don't do birthdays either.

I think it depends on the family. Mine is probably like yours...i.e. gave gifts for years without actually asking what the person wanted and always received at least 4 smelly bath sets I didn't want, use or need, and in fact would have brought me out in a rash. Fast forward 20 yrs and I just give token stuff now, some food, prosecco maybe, not the dear stuff, just what I can afford. My other half's family always used to check with each other what they wanted (I thought oh my god how considerate these people are, but it makes sense doesn't it? for years my family used to give me duplicate stuff, I probably sound ungrateful but wtf is the point in giving something that someone doesn't really want or need), then when they got busuer with life it became swapping vouchers, to now, where no one bothers any more, and just get stuff for your god kids. What I am saying is I guess it's down to individual families. I think when you have kids there's a lot of financial pressure on and just the hassle of going out and getting stuff in the first place, where is the time to do that these days. So why not suggest next year everyone give each other the gift of space and not feel obliged to do it and maybe all go for a meal or something instead?

seamus

You're just getting old. As you get older you realise that if you actually need or want something, you can just buy it for yourself. Christmas presents are like a voucher, just with extra steps.

We've completely scrapped the ritual of presents between siblings and parents. We just buy for the kids now, we do a secret santa between all the cousins, so every kid gets one big present "from the family" rather than 5 or 6 small things that will just gather dust at home.

Though if you can think of a present that someone else wouldn't buy for themselves - something sentimental like a framed photo, or special weekend away for an anniversary - that can be appreciated.

But the pressure to try and buy "special" gifts for everyone at Christmas results in people just buying you stuff that you were going to buy for yourself anyway.

Sciprio

I'm kinda the same - If i want something i'll get it myself.

i71jskz5xu42pb

I'm in the same boat, anything I want I'll buy. Dinner vouchers work but most of the other stuff just ends up in a charity shop.

Kris Kindle with a € limit if you can get people to agree is a good option.

DEFTLEFTHAND

I'm not a good actor so I find it difficult to hide disappointment when receiving gifts. This in turn makes me feel bad for the giver.

gandalf

I love giving gifts to those close to me but hate receiving them because 9 times out of 10 it's something I don't want or need. But I love seeing my son open his presents, Christmas is still a magical time for him although I hear one of the muppets in his class is telling all the kids that Santa doesn't exist. I'd say this is probably the last year we'll get out of the Santa lie!

rob316

gandalf wrote: »

I love giving gifts to those close to me but hate receiving them because 9 times out of 10 it's something I don't want or need. But I love seeing my son open his presents, Christmas is still a magical time for him although I hear one of the muppets in his class is telling all the kids that Santa doesn't exist. I'd say this is probably the last year we'll get out of the Santa lie!

How old is he? 10 is about the max you can get these days.

gandalf

rob316 wrote: »

How old is he? 10 is about the max you can get these days.

He's 8 but most of his class are 9 so he's on the verge. It's great seeing the magic of Christmas through a childs eyes.

SexBobomb

rob316 wrote: »

As the title says does anyone else just not like this Christmas gift exchange ritual. Year after year swapping gifts with siblings and OH, just seems absolutely pointless. The 10 mins on Christmas morning of the gift exchanges adds nothing to my day..

..just kidding Rob whatever makes you happy bud, Merry Christmas everyone

ollkiller

Getting presents for children at Christmas is great. Adults getting other adults present is just ridiculous. If i want something i'll buy it myself. Thankfully my parents and two siblings never buy Christmas presents for each other and it's fantastic.

Babooshka

gandalf wrote: »

He's 8 but most of his class are 9 so he's on the verge. It's great seeing the magic of Christmas through a childs eyes.

That's really sad...I have a 2 yr old and if someone tries to tell her by the time she's 8 that there's no Santa I will definitely want to kill them...I only found out around 10 or 11 - I hate it that kids grow up far too quickly these days

bazz26

Not when the present is a Linx gift set.

Rubberchikken

hate the tat and crap that makes up most gifts over the years - ornaments, horrible gift sets, wine/biscuits i dont like. did i mention ornaments!

so years ago i called a halt to it. i dont give and i dont receive. love getting things for my adult kids and love the little things (chocs or slippers) i get back so hapoy out.
people have way too much crap. no need for it.

rob316

gandalf wrote: »

He's 8 but most of his class are 9 so he's on the verge. It's great seeing the magic of Christmas through a childs eyes.

I know man that's what its all about. Ya probably the last year, think I was about 9 aswell. It's gone forever when they find out

mvl

If it's about Xmas gifts exchange, I don't like that neither.
But I still enjoy receiving gifts from ppl who really know me. So @Xmas, every adult in my house would also get something under the tree - a family tradition I don't plan in giving up on - unlike my parents did
- In general what I like more than receiving is the hunt for thoughtful pressies; while I only do that for my favorites - it is easy to find beautiful gifts for persons I care about.

Fart

The age group of those on After Hours is becoming even more apparent now.

gandalf

gandalf wrote: »

........ Santa doesn't exist..........

what :eek:

Outlaw Pete

Yeah, don't like receiving either but yet love giving...

orourkeda1977

I prefer receiving head.

Aceandstuff

I used to always get my mother and younger brother a small gift each for Christmas, and got nothing in return except for aggro until I left the house in January. This year, I'm in genuinely dire financial circumstances, so there has been no gift shopping, and I haven't bought a corned beef for us all either after my mother ruined it last year. Funnily enough, she has mentioned over the phone that she got me a gift this time around, and it has me in a panic. Am I in for one of her attempted guilt trips, or is it just a rubbish present? And my brother owes me money.

I think I'm better off when I don't get Christmas presents, except for when they're from other adults. I don't need the stress of having anyone feel like they are owed something, especially when they're likely to bring it up on a weekly basis for the next year. Bah humbug!

wakka12

I agree really. I appreciate that people cared enough about to me buy me gifts and I find that very sweet but I usually dont care much about the present at all, anything I need I usually get myself

Capt'n Midnight

bazz26 wrote: »

Not when the present is a Linx gift set.

misread that a Linux gift set.

ouxbbkqtswdfaw

Don't bother with presents, just give cash. Then everyone can get what they want.

mvl

Fart wrote: »

The age group of those on After Hours is becoming even more apparent now.

I am sure more ppl are already aware what other users share similar age group ... Do wonder if we need a section for over 18 !

Dravokivich

h6io51nly8xbsk wrote: »

Don't bother with presents, just give cash. Then everyone can get what they want.

If you're just going to exchange money, you'd be better holding onto it no? Or are you hoping to be given more than you hand out

I ask for stuff I want but normally wouldn't buy for myself

castletownman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YohjWRFh51Q

Summed up quite accurately here

FelaniaMump

rob316 wrote: »

How old is he? 10 is about the max you can get these days.

Nah, there are 11 and 12 year olds still into it

corner of hells

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I'm not a good actor so I find it difficult to hide disappointment when receiving gifts. This in turn makes me feel bad for the giver.

Would it help if someone got you acting lessons ?

imme

I get you OP.

There is a lot of nonsense and waste involved in gift giving.