I may be the only one here, but this is weird. I'm cringing thinking about how angry and horrified my husband would be when he found out I was shilling on the internet for Christmas wants for an infant who will neither know nor care.
Yep, I'm side-eyeing a bit.
It's okay to have a low-key Christmas. It doesn't take much to capture the fun and the magic, especially for a newborn.
I don't think it was otter's goal to have people send her things. I think ML took it and ran with it. That said, Otter I hope you have an amazing Christmas!
I may be the only one here, but this is weird. I'm cringing thinking about how angry and horrified my husband would be when he found out I was shilling on the internet for Christmas wants for an infant who will neither know nor care. Â
I don't really think she's shilling, amid the requests for her to add more stuff. I think ML offering to get her a tree and some Xmas pjs (and even a couple gifts) was very kind.Â
It has definitely stepped into weird territory to me at this point though.Â
You have no reason to feel ashamed. People are allowed to spend their money / generosity / good spirit in whatever way they please. You didn't ask; they offered.
Post by shopgirl07 on Nov 21, 2013 17:15:24 GMT -5
I think what was odd for me is that you mentioned reading a book and leaving out cookies for Santa. Those are things that can be done really, really inexpensively. The book was only $5. I've been laid off before and I understand the stress and fear but this post kind of had me scratching my head.
Now I feel ashamed and embarrassed. I do plan to pay it forward and before DH lost his job I often did things for charity or just good deeds.
No. Do not feel this way! You are wonderful and only expressed that you wanted a nice Christmas for your daughter. You asked for nothing. ML offered. Please do not feel bad.
I think what was odd for me is that you mentioned reading a book and leaving out cookies for Santa. Those are things that can be done really, really inexpensively. The book was only $5. I've been laid off before and I understand the stress and fear but this post kind of had me scratching my head.
We are afraid to spend even that $5. Between moving and many more expenses than we planned on with the adoption, our savings is tiny. What if that $5 means a gallon of milk and loaf of bread later? He's had a couple of interviews but is told they aren't hiring until "some point" after the new year. Right now even $5 seems like a lot.
I think what was odd for me is that you mentioned reading a book and leaving out cookies for Santa. Those are things that can be done really, really inexpensively. The book was only $5. I've been laid off before and I understand the stress and fear but this post kind of had me scratching my head.
$5 adds up fast, especially with a baby.
Which is likely why people told her to check out the library or an online version
My son was 3 months old for his 1st Christmas and I wrapped up needs (diapers, wipes, rash cream, etc.). Looking at pictures it totally looks like he had an awesome 1st Christmas with all of the wrapped gifts, lol! I know we all have a vision in our head about what holidays will be like with our kids, but she won't know the difference yet.
Do you work? I'm not being snarky just unfamiliar with the entire situation. I think your Christmas will be fine:) You've been given some great ideas here. GL
I do, but it's not much....enough with savings to pay rent maybe and get a couple staple food items. However, I'm a nanny and I do not get paid for holidays off...which means a week in November and one around Christmas. My boss has work off and it's not like I could work anyways. I am looking at a seasonal job, but most have been filled at this point.
Listen. We didn't have a pot to piss in for Will's first Christmas (he was 4 months old for his first Christmas). DH and I were skipping meals so we could afford diapers.
Call it being stubborn or too much pride or whatever, but there was not *one* person in our lives who knew we were struggling as badly as we were.
So, I completely get how otter feels. But I certainly wouldn't have been talking about it to anyone. If that makes me an asshole, so be it.
I have all the books I could need, and what more could I need than books? I shall only engage in commerce if books are the coin. -- Catherynne M. Valente
My son was 3 months old for his 1st Christmas and I wrapped up needs (diapers, wipes, rash cream, etc.). Looking at pictures it totally looks like he had an awesome 1st Christmas with all of the wrapped gifts, lol! I know we all have a vision in our head about what holidays will be like with our kids, but she won't know the difference yet.
That's a great idea! I did order tons of diapers, wipes, and formula a couple months ago, so we are set on those for a while.
I hate that Otter is being made to feel bad for ML's generosity. It can be hard to know how to act when people keep insisting. How many times can you demur?
My son was 3 months old for his 1st Christmas and I wrapped up needs (diapers, wipes, rash cream, etc.). Looking at pictures it totally looks like he had an awesome 1st Christmas with all of the wrapped gifts, lol! I know we all have a vision in our head about what holidays will be like with our kids, but she won't know the difference yet.
That's a great idea! I did order tons of diapers, wipes, and formula a couple months ago, so we are set on those for a while.
Just don't take many pictures after the gifts are open and she'll never know
DH wanted me to thank you as well. He teared up. He was feeling bad for Rosie and I and said he was amazed at the generosity of people I met on the Internet.
Listen. We didn't have a pot to piss in for Will's first Christmas (he was 4 months old for his first Christmas). DH and I were skipping meals so we could afford diapers.
Call it being stubborn or too much pride or whatever, but there was not *one* person in our lives who knew we were struggling as badly as we were.
So, I completely get how otter feels. But I certainly wouldn't have been talking about it to anyone. If that makes me an asshole, so be it.
This is how I am and how my parents were when we were kids. A total pride thing. Not sure if it's good or bad. I do know that some of my fondest memories are the things we did to get by without a lot.
Otter, I hope you guys have a good first Christmas. You should go to Christmas in the Park. It's free and fun! The tree lighting ceremony will be November 29th.
I only read the first page, but @missusbee said it perfectly
I understand your feelings, but it really isn't a big deal. Last Christmas L was only a month and a half old and I was so overwhelmed with having a newborn that I didn't decorate or even put up the artificial tree. We also didn't buy her any gifts because we needed to save money and she couldn't open them anyway.
We played Christmas music, read her 'The Night Before Christmas' on Christmas Eve and spent time with family. We ended up having a great Christmas without all the extras. Heck, we didn't even buy her a first birthday gift a couple weeks ago because we knew she'd get enough stuff from family. This Christmas we're only getting her one or two gifts.