Mom to Mom

[alicedee]

If you give him all his favorites, what is Santa supposed to bring him?  

I think it is wise and kind to respect your daughter's wishes.  Ask her for a list, so you are not buying what she and her husband wanted to give him.

[piggyluver77]

I have a daughter n law that wanted to control all birthdays, Easter, Christmas...you name it. I suggested we compromise and give me a list of what they need and I'll also buy some fun toys. I also give them money sometimes with other gifts. I've now decided to open a bank account and put money into it for their future and buy what I know my grandchildren love or ask what they need. It's been a work in progress.

[kitty60]

When my son and dil married her fear was Christmas chaos!  I have tried to respect her wishes and it has become easier as the kids have gotten older.  Since they were young I always tried to incorporate an activity.  I am fortunate to be close enough to spend some time with them but not close enough to care for them daily.  I give them a few gifts (not by any means high dollar) . They love to spend time at my house.  We have hunts outside, swim, garden and inside we are constantly cooking or creating.  It is so funny to read and hear the commentsfrom their teachers of loving to hear the family stories...

I am finding it very rewarding now as my oldest granddaughter has reached 14and active in so many things when she has an "off" weekend she asks to come to my house.

[stargazergal]

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@Goodie2shoes wrote:

My daughter said "no more toys mom"  Well who does she think she is ?  I have a 4 yr old grandson (Mr. Busy) and he loves paw patrol. I have purchased several paw patrol toys along with several other toys for him for Christmas but I want to buy more. He already has over 200 matchbox and hotwheel cars and trucks which have taken over their family room. I think he needs more !  Whats a grandma to do ? His dad does not complain. After all he's the only little one, my only other grandchild is 19 and he says he doesn't want anything for Christmas. ( I don't believe that and he won't get left off Santa's list !)  Any of you Grandmas out there have the same problem ? What do you do ? I've already told him Santa will stop by my home and his home, he's so excited and I love it !

You could meet your daughters  request half way........ and teach your sweet grandson about the spirit of giving to children in need with no toys.   You could wrap presents together and deliver them to a donation place where the toys will be given to children who will have little to nothing for Christmas.  How nice would that be......it's a win win and it would be teaching your grandbaby empathy and sharing and caring which is what Christmas is all about .  

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[embgm]

I purchase my Granddaughters an outfit or two (which helps my son and Dil out)  and both girls do enjoy. The youngest who is 4 loves to dress in girlie clothes , while the 12 year old is into the jeans and hoodies. They also get some fun gifts! But I always check with their mom for ideas, sizes and to prevent duplicates.

[PamfromCT]

We waited for so many years for our grandchildren, our boy and girl.  We’ve learned to coordinate with their parents about gifts.  We do like to buy one large item, supplemented by a few things.  They do have their own room at our house, so there are opportunities for things to keep here.

It is harder for grandparents nowadays who are observant of keeping everyone safe. No more overnights, day trips, even taking kids to the movies.  At least where I live, so many are in the same situation.  So we talk on the phone and zoom, but we can hardly wait to spend meaningful time with them again.

Nothing like spending time at Mimi and Opa’s house, where they always had a “goodie section” in the pantry.  We are very optimistic that these dark days will be over soon.