DH really stepped up this year. He got me thoughtful, nice gifts and many of them showed he really paid attention to comments I made the last month or so. He also helped BS to get a thoughtful gift for me. 

I did not help the skids. I did not remind. They did not ask for help. (Past history showed that I put in all the thought and effort and the rest of them put in none so I decided I would learn from history and do the same. If they don’t care why should I?) These kids are 17.5 and 16. One has a part time job, the other has done odd jobs around the neighborhood and been paid pretty well, they both get an allowance too, and they have a car to drive.

The skids spent maybe ten dollars total on the two of us combined. They bought us groceries. Not cool, thoughtful things we would not usually get but things we do usually get, and at least for DH it’s stuff that YSS likes. Mine was wrapped completely but DHs items were tossed in a random box and the wrapping paper didn’t cover the whole box nor did they even try to wrap it completely. It was just one long piece that went around the box and was taped but not folded or taped to cover the ends  

(As an aside I am not upset about my “gift” from them at all. I am not surprised. I am not offended. It’s what I expected. I really have no feelings about it at all. I am pretty sure I know what they got BM and it wasn’t cheap. And DHs bday was a few weeks ago and they got him nothing, not even a card.)

DH didn’t say much. Later in the day I asked how he was doing since I was wondering if I was feeling a lot of empathy that I didn’t need to, maybe the lame gift giving over the years was not a big deal to him, it’s their norm. Nope, nope. It’s a big deal. DH said that maybe his crappy present from them was karma for his not doing a better job on holidays. 

DH is feeling very shitty today. I do feel badly for him. I don’t feel vindictive but it is helpful for him to know how I’ve felt all those times.