Have any of you ever spent Christmas surrounded by your family, watching them opening presents, only to realize, once again, you got NOTHING?

[Wallythewalrus]

That is usually how my Christmas goes. The worst part is I have to go through it 3 times each Christmas. At my in law's, at my parents and then at home, with my wife and kids. Have any of you dealt with this type of pain and humiliation? How do/would you react?

[IslaTheWitch]

For me it's quite normal that most of the presents are going to children. I try to care about every family member and prepare even symbolic gifts, because I feel that way.

But there were years when I found under the tree only what I bought or made for myself.

So if you want to have your box but you can't count on your family - buy yourself a present!

[Joshydavid25]

Damn, I'm sorry you go through that my guy. I mean it seems to me that nobody is thinking about you. I mean depending.. If I didn't get them anything I guess I couldn't complain honestly.. But if I did and they got me nothing, well I would definitely feel some type of way.. I wouldn't know what to do but feel sad that my family didn't think to at least get me some socks..

[NathanDavis]

that's almost my every Christmas, yes...

but it is our tradition to spend a lot more in presents for the little ones as they really go crazy about it and enjoy it so much more

while we as adults... usually exchange some gifts too, sometimes... we just don't wrap them and all of that

like a car... for example, lol

[Unycorn]

Christmas should not be for presents. Time is the most valuable thing we have. Gifts should therefore also be limited in terms of their monetary value. I know we don't take anything to the grave. But it's not good to overdo it. Our family has set a limit of €20 for a gift per person.

[love_conquers_lust]

Tis’ better to give than receive.

Look at it this way, you have the privilege to do the giving, while others don’t have that discretion. That’s why children usually get more.

It also means you don’t have to necessarily rely on others to get what you want.

[Nikki1989]

I have never celebrated Christmas, not even when I was a child.

[msc545]

If I were you I would refuse to go at all.

[BoopBoopBeep]

Yeah F those people. Don't get them anything, don't go, go have Christmas with your friends. If you have none go have Christmas at the animal shelters. They are minimally staffed that day and the critters deserve a good Christmas as well. Note, you'll usually have to coordinate that ahead of time because many don't unlock the doors and just have back-of-the-house staff there for kennel cleaning, meds, stuff like that.