US EditionAsking Eric: I Continue My Mother’s Tradition of Gifts, but Get No Thanks
Despite a family policy limiting gifts to children, one sister’s yearly presents cause anxiety and pressure to reciprocate, affecting holiday dynamics in the extended family.
- The writer's sister continues buying presents for adult family members despite the no-adult-gifts policy, and the letter writer receives a message each year to expect packages sent by mail.
- Years ago the writer proposed the no-adult-gifts policy to honor the mother's memory and keep extended family gatherings less hectic, focusing on spending time together.
- Columnists note the writer feels anxious, guilty and embarrassed by the sister's gifts, explaining these emotions arise from family miscommunication and advise separating feelings from the sister's actions.
- Consequently, the sister continues sending gifts, which pressures the writer and makes the $50 tradition costly as the family grows.
- Past experience shows the exchange produced uneven outcomes, so advisers recommend the writer consider other ways to honor the mother and note gift reception is out of the writer's control.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Montana Standard
Sister sends gifts despite repeated requests to stop
Dear Eric: My husband's family has a long-standing tradition of not buying Christmas gifts for adults, just the small children. It keeps Christmas less hectic and allows us to concentrate on what's important: spending time together as a large extended…
Asking Eric: I’ve asked my sister, repeatedly, to stop buying my family Christmas gifts. She ignores me
Dear Eric: My husband’s family has a long-standing tradition of not buying Christmas gifts for adults, just the small children. It keeps Christmas less hectic and allows us to concentrate on what’s important: spending time together as a large extended family.
The Baltimore Sun
Asking Eric: Sister sends gifts despite repeated requests to stop
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ASKING ERIC: Sister sends gifts despite repeated requests to stop - Garden City Telegram
BY R. ERIC THOMAS Tribune Content Agency Dear Eric: My husband’s family has a long-standing tradition of not buying Christmas gifts for adults, just the… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close
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- 82% of the sources are Center
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