I didn't get what I wanted for Christmas...

...is it horrible of me to feel like crap about it? It wasn't expensive, and it wasn't something I could get for myself, but when I didn't get get it, even though I knew I wouldn't get it, I felt horrible. I never got into the spirit this year, and when I didn't get that one thing, I felt even worse. And that made me feel even worse, because I'm not truly materialistic. God, this Christmas sucked.
Duckie

Christmas isn't worth getting down about. Really.

that thought process is crippling if you let it go.

Just buy the damn thing.

I had told my dad and stepmom not to worry about me this year, to focus on my son (you know, the usual false modesty bullshit, lol!) when they asked for an idea of what I wanted, within a certain price range. Well, they finally got out of me some ideas (one thing I really, really, really wanted, the 2004 Writer's Market). So they got me a cordless phone (I already have two of them!!!!!!), and a clock radio, which they had originally bought for my son (I already have two of those also!), and a camera (and I ALREADY have a camera!!!!!) So they spent all of this money on stuff that I already had and didn't need, and that they didn't need to spend money on, especially since they both retired this year and don't have as much money anymore. I didn't have the heart to tell them I already had everything they bought me, though. And I SOOOOOOOOOO wanted that Writer's Market, Boo-hoo!!!

What I really hate is having to act all happy and excited at a gift you're really not at all happy and excited about, when you really have to put on the acting cap, especially when you're not in the mood.

and give them to stepmom & Dad next year! And buy the writer's market for yourself. And let's all lower our expectations about getting gifts we really want. There really is no Santa Claus, and people stress WAY too much over presents. Some families even make up gift-giving rules, like only hand-made gifts (made by you or purchased at craft fair) or $10 limit, or only gag gifts, or each family adopting a Christmas angel or poor family. Buy yourself the things you really want, and enjoy getting from others the things they want you to have. And concentrate on being together and sharing love.

My point was that they didn't have to spend money and get those gifts. And whether or not I ever buy the Writer's Market isn't really important, what's important is my son and I getting to spend time with them and my mom and stepdad. And that I made it safely to their house yesterday after a long, blowing-snow-and-ice-filled drive from Cleveland to Toledo!

... here's what you do. Find a friend, or even an acquaintance, who is also kind of disappointed about his/her gifts. Then the two of you buy "un-Christmas" presents for each other. If you luck out you can pick up stuff at the sales!

I did this a few years back with a co-worker, and it turned out pretty well. It was somebody I didn't really know, and we hadn't actually exchanged gifts earlier (an important thing!). This way we learned a bit more about each other, and neither of us felt that we were going behind the backs of our other friends (we swore a solemn oath not to let on that their gifts weren't appreciated).

I hinted, I put the link on his favorites....And...I got a foot spa, which I love, and a DVD...but I'm still disappointed.
Duckie

That's all I wanted...we're getting married in the spring of 2005, four months after I graduate from college. I don't necessarily want to be officially engaged with a ring...I just want a symbol of our promise.
Duckie

or a George Forman sandwich maker. That could be taken care of, but this is something nobody here can help you with.

You got something for Christmas?

I'm so sorry, Hogarth. Give me your address, and I'll send you a Christmas present. I hate to think that you didn't get anything for Christmas. We gave a hundred dollars worth of food and toys to a local charity this year because I can't stand thinking of kids not getting Christmas, and people going hungry.
Duckie

... so it's no big deal. We have an understanding here that Christmas is for the kids. My gift year-round is being married to an angel.

a respite from your son having to go to Iraq.



On edit: I read your and Mari's "Boy do I dread 2004 for our son in the Army reserves is facing "impending deployment" to Iraq messages, by the way."

... so my expectations were met. No complaints.

Yeah, my son is headed for Iraq. Who needs Christmas gifts? If he stays safe, I'll be happy.

Damned occupation!

eom.