Did you spend time, energy, money and love preparing what you hoped would be a beautiful, loving family Christmas, only to find that no one gave a hoot? I hauled down the decorations (alone), decorated the tree (alone) climbed the ladders and hung the lights (alone), baked, played carols, attended parties, planned and cooked dinners, bought and wrapped presents...all alone. Everyone wanted to GET presents, no one wanted to do any of the work, or have any togetherness. Is the answer to just stop doing anything for them? Keep pouring love where it's not wanted or appreciated? Run away and hope for happiness elsewhere? Life is short...
2007-12-26 05:43:42 · 6 answers · asked by Thursday 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
This is a common thing. I agree, life is short.
You need to insist on cooperation.
If your kids are all over 10, they need to expand their chores beyond simply picking up after themselves, and actually pitch in around the house. If you make the dinner, they need to pitch in and help clean up the kitchen... if the kitchen is not clean when you return home from work, then it is peanut butter sandwiches for dinner or the burger-joing is that-a-way.
If you host a big extended-family Christmas dinner, and nobody contributes, it is time to begin asking for the guests to bring their favorite dishes to contribute to the feast, or go to the supermarket deli and order the turkey dinner package next year. No point in putting out all the time and sweat for a bunch of ingrates.
If they all want lots of presents, why not just get them gift cards and have them do their own shopping?
2007-12-26 06:08:43 · answer #1 · answered by revsuzanne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you do is very important and it seems everyone is taking you for granted but I dont think it is intentional. It sounds like you are discontent. Maybe you need a break or getaway. Im sure your family appreciates what you do and most of it IS a moms job. Do you have another goal or career in mind? Is motherhood not what you expected? Holidays bring so much stress. Try to get away and reflect, then speak with your husband about your expectations in a calm manner.
2007-12-26 06:12:35 · answer #2 · answered by barthebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
next year plan a vacation on x mas week or even better let every one know december X we will be decorating the tree and house i expect you to be there on this day we are doing a bake off if no one wants to do it then guess what you dont do it too and when x mas comes and they expect things or wonder why no lights or tree is up just find out what they did and give that as a excuse be like well on december X when i planed to do it as a family no one wanted to help so i went to the movies why should i slave they will find out fast and be good and help out
2007-12-26 06:28:01 · answer #3 · answered by rodeogirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should quit doing it. It will never be a loving holiday even if it looks like one if you feel bad inside. Quit doing it next year and see how they like it. Teach them a lesson.
2007-12-26 05:49:37 · answer #4 · answered by * 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not about to do all the work myself. I simply remind people that in case they haven't heard, slavery was abolished years ago.
2007-12-26 06:32:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry you didn't ask for dad's and husband's opinions. We have a thing or two to say about whining.
2007-12-26 07:35:48 · answer #6 · answered by noshaymatall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋