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Christmas - Literally the same sh*t every year

BettyRay's picture

Just like every other Christmas for the last 15 years. DH gets angry at SSons and BM, and is a total jerk for the day.

We invited our mothers, SS22, SS22’s GF, and SS18 for Christmas Day brunch.

DH did all the cooking and went crazy, there was so much food.

It’s our week with SS18 but he had spent Monday and Tuesday nights at BM’s so he could be with her on Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning.

Backstory - SSons are conditioned to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning with BM. When they were young she always had some excuse to keep them over night, even when it was our holiday. DH didn’t want to make it hard on the boys so he always went along with it. This is the result of not putting his foot down.

It started on Christmas Eve when SS18 texted DH and I at midnight asking if he could go the Star Wars with BM and SF at 3 PM Christmas Day.

Really BM? So selfish, she has to control the entire holiday.

DH texted that it was fine. The reality was it wasn’t fine, brunch was scheduled for 11 AM, DH started getting angry.

We ended up rushing through brunch to open presents before SS18 had to leave to meet BM.

For the second year in a row, I got a single Christmas ornament from them that they went in on together (SS22, GF, and SS18). DH got a picture frame from them.

We were both hurt but didn’t say anything. SS18 and SS22’s GF I get because they are both in school and don’t have a lot of money. But SS22 has a fulltime job, making decent money, he’s just so selfish.

We spent about $200 on each of the boys and $150 on GF.

They all left at 2 PM when SS18 left to meet BM and SF at the movie.

Basically, a typical Skid drive by – eat a quick meal, collect presents and run (with leftovers of course).

I’m so over it.

~BettyRay

Comments

notarelative's picture

SS18: Can I go the Star Wars with BM and SF at 3 PM Christmas Day.?

Dad: Son, you are 18. You can go wherever you choose. But, understand that I can't guarantee that brunch will be done by the time you need to leave for the movie. So, If you are going to the movie, I'll see you another time.

Then I'd unwrap all but one of the presents and return them. When they showed up with their trinkets, the only thing they would get from me is a thank you and the smallest gift of the pile. No repeat of the brunch. They lost that when they cancelled the same day.

BettyRay's picture

One ornament and a picture frame for each of them. Done.

~BettyRay

CLove's picture

Get your DH out of his regular routine, change it completely and go on a fabulous trip! That cash spent on ungrateful people - cut it down a bit, and spend it on you two.

Cooooookies's picture

So next year give them a dollar store photo frame with a nice pic of you and DH in it.  Then plan your day how you want and if they leave then they leave and miss whatever they miss.

BettyRay's picture

This is what I have wanted to do for a long time but DH wasn't there, he wasn't willing to let go of the fantasy that SSons want to spend time with us. From where I'm standing SSons see us as a diner with an ATM. It hurts DH and I feel for him but I've made a lot of sacrifices for him and the boys. I'm at a place in my life where I'm not willing keep spending my time and money on people who don't care about us.

~BettyRay

Cooooookies's picture

When that happens, my dear, it is time for what StepTalk calls disengagement on your part.

Give rose

BettyRay's picture

I've pulled back a lot over the years. I know disengagement is always an option.

I used to try to comfort DH when stuff like this happened. Now I when he mopes I simply tell him it is what it is and let him feel the dissappointment.

~BettyRay