Originally Posted by mmonohon
I talked to the extended family way before Halloween to get colors, likes/dislikes, and suggestions for all my dh side of the family. I made 28 popcorn snowmen for each, 6 tooth fairy pillows for the grandkids, 12 coffee cozies with their initials embroideried on them for the young adults and 2embroidered pillowcases for the teenagers, embroidered 3 photo albums for dh sisters and a table runner of the inlaws and 6 framed family art for each family. It took me over a month (and lots and lots of hours and money). At Thanksgiving we spoke again about Christmas and my dh informed them of how I had worked so hard to finished all the gifts for everyone.
So today, my sil called and said that everyone has decided that we are NOT going to exchange gifts but instead do a white elephant (exchange junk from the garage or gag gifts). I know Christmas is about giving but I fill like I have been hit in the stomach. I am very sad and feel so unappreciated.
What would you do????
A few years ago my kids decided that they would draw names of just the kids and not do adults. I told them I chose not to participate. I still do gifts for everyone. Some years I sew everyone something, some years I bake each one their favorite goodie. This year is different, but they will each get a gift of something from me, however small.