We are estranged from my youngest stepson and therefore won't see our 3 year old grandson this Xmas. My eldest stepson split up with his partner and its not his turn to have his children this Xmas day. They usually come to us but this year there will just be me, hubby and 24 year old son who hates Xmas and will probably be in his room as usual.
We have had Xmas day with our 2 eldest grandchildren already as they won't see their Dad till after Xmas. It was slightly disappointing though as now they are 12 and 13, they weren't excited and didn't express any enthusiasm over their presents - to the point of rudeness in fact. My granddaughter especially, as she opened each present in silence and placed them without comment in a pile behind her back. My stepson has little money and had worked hours of overtime so he could buy them nice presents so it was sad to see their lack of manners. If we had said something about it though, he would have said it was ok and not to worry. He is not one to make a fuss about such things but he must have been hurt.
We felt like very old disapproving grandparents when we were leaving in the car, discussing their behaviour. I do think that manners are important but sadly neither my stepson or his ex seem to feel the same. They are not naughty children at all but they are often rude I'm sorry to say.
Ariadne xx
