Moms: Why can't I think of a gift for me?

[daughter]

Do other parents feel this way? Since having children, I find I think less of what I want for Christmas, and I obsess about what to give my kids?

I know that's normal in one sense, but I'm not just a mother. I'm somebody's sister, lover, aunt, friend. And yet, when I'm asked what I want, I have a hard time coming up with anything I really want. I love receiving gifts, but it is difficult to ask for what I want. I almost always wish I had more money or planned better to give my kids one more thing.

I'm rambling. Can any mother or dad relate to what I'm talking about?

Peace,

daughter

 

[KillerMuffin]

You are not alone sister.

"What do you want for Christmas, honey?"

Blank stare. "I want a Batman Beyond figure and some leggos."

"For yourself."

"Well you didn't say that. I want, um. You'll think of something, baby, you know me so well." Crossing the fingers, hoping he buys it.

"Seriously, what do you want? Give me a list of things so I can get something good for you. I got you those pots and pans last year and you hardly ever use them."

"I use them every day."

"That's not what I meant."

"Well that's what you said."

"I want to get you something for yourself, not some house thing."

"I do use the pots and pans. I love them, dammit."

"What do you want for Christmas?"

Thank gawd I'm out of perfume this year.

I can't ask for myself, particularly in this period of limited financial resources. I don't really want anything, but getting presents is nice. We have big problems with present giving in the adults in our little family. We love to give them but we don't like receiving them. As bad as I am, I can usually pick out something reasonable every year. The Stud, though, he takes the presents back and buys stuff for us. I told him that if he ever does that again, he's gone.

 

[SweetCherry]

I never even think of anything that I would like for Christmas/birthday/Valentines day. None of it means anything to me anymore. I seldom get gifts tho, so I don't stress over it. When I do get something, it's usually a complete surprise and I love whatever it is, just for the thoughtfullness of it.