Christmas Gift Giving

by Valarie
(Moorpark, california)

My husband and I have been married for 20 years and I have a son from a pervious marriage, he's now 23. So that being said my husband has been with my son since he was two, (so pretty much his whole life). My question is that every year my sister in law sends my other two sons gifts at Christmas, which upsets me because my other son is left out, so I cover it up and get a gift and put her name on it. Am I getting upset for no reason or do I have a viable reason? Just not sure what is acceptable etiquette in this situation. Please help. Thank you

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Christmas Gift List
by: Ms P Etiquette

Hi Valarie,

This is an awkward situation, and one that has gone on for far too long. To be honest, I have struggled with how to answer it. At the same time, there is really no easy answer. Gift giving is at the discretion of the giver. Why your sister in law chooses to give as she does is her personal reasons. Frankly, there is really not much you can do about it. You cannot force someone to give a gift, no matter how inequitable you ma think it is. Perhaps you need to sit your son down, who is23, and have him understand that the sister in law is not sending him a gift this year. Continuing to cover up the exclusion will only perpetuate the problem. This is not a great solution, but at least it is a bit more real. No need to talk about the previous years.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Ms. Practical Etiquette

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