I had sweet FA to unwrap this morning. No, not even the piece of paper with some thoughtful words about how DP feels about me - and that wasn't going to cost any money Zip, nada, niente. He apologised, in a half-arsed way and then said "you're probably used to it", so I nodded. No more to say, really.
My son knows all about giving - he thought birthdays were occasions to buy someone else something until this year, when the kinder kids wised him up a bit. There is no shortage in this household of being a gracious giver. Thankfully, he didn't notice that I had nothing under the tree.
As I was wrapping the final gifts last night I mentioned to DP that the kids have gifts because I did all the work, the kids have a tree because I brought it in (I wasn't supposed to because of my pelvis, but requests weren't successful) etc.
So, yes, it's usually a bit of a personal let-down every Christmas, birthday, birth (I rock at birth and I don't deserve, apparently, any kind of token for my efforts and intense preparations ).
bec293 - I don't want him to buy me something last minute. Christmas is on at the same time every year. I want to be thought about. Most people I know do. To put zero thought into someone who raises your children, keeps the fridge and pantry full, keeps you clothed and keeps the house from descending into a hazardous waste land is not exactly a good example to give to a son, either. Though I hold out lots more hope for DS, because I AM damn good example of how to be gracious, not ask for too much and get by on very little. I had been living in a caravan until September, and with very, very basic facilities all year - a last minute hair clip would have been a nice gesture, at this point! I keep second-guessing myself, thinking maybe I'm getting about with a sense of undue entitlement. Then I think of how we've been living all year...and I know it would have KO'd many stronger relationships by now!
Anyhow, vent over - the kids are super happy with their few offerings, a day with cousins and huge feastings. I'd rather spend Christmas in Kiribati, and one day I'll get my wish!