And that was my theme for christmas...., just let it go, not worth getting into it with SS22 and ruining my Christmas.....

for example:

- no recognition, "thank you" or even eye contact from SS22 after or during him opening his gifts.

- Nothing from SS22 for me or his BM (my DW), and of course nothing for his sister (My SD21) or my BS12.

- He received a used beaten up tool box from his BF, and a $50 gift card, and talked about it the entire day. We spent at least $500 on various things for him, just like we did the other kids, I didn't get a word of thanks or any other recognition from SS22, while SD21 and BS12 thanked both me and DW many times throughout the course of the morning.

- Opened the pot and pan set we got him and said "what the f!@# is this ? ", DW told him that it was for when he got his own place (hint, hint) and he said "oh, ok" with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

- SS22 spent the rest of the day on the computer playing some computer game that he plays every spare minute of his life, while the rest of the family spent time together, putting stuff together for the little ones and watching them play.

I forbid DW from buying him anything that wasn't practical this year. I told her that the only things that he needs are things that will be useful to him when he moves out. No games, or other "toys" like he has requested and received in the past. I think that was the source of his disappointment, but at 22 years old, isn't it time to stop believing that Santa is going to bring you everything your little mooching heart desires?