Hard accepting christmas gifts...

lil_diamond_eyes

H's family is pretty open about money. We know everyone financial statuses and they seem to know ours. H's parents recently suffered some financial issues. And each Christmas they seem to want to buy big ticket items for all their kids.

His mom was recently at our house and saw our couch. Yeah, it is a fourth hand me down and looks like crap. It doesnt help that the dogs have take it upon themselves to eat its cushions. This year it seems that she want to replace our couch. How do I accept a gift that I know is putting them further in debt? She keeps talking about money and gifts and keeping it simple. But doesnt seem to take her own advice.

I would be happy with a couple bags of dog food and some beer.

chach916

That's tough.  Does your H have siblings?  Perhaps you can talk with them about and then tell the parents you would rather do a white elephant gift exchange?  You don't want to offend the parents but at the same time, if they are really open with their financial status, perhaps they wouldn't be offended?

Stacie719

Yes, that is very tough. I don't really know what to suggest. It sounds like your hubby has siblings, maybe this year you can start drawing names or something? I don't think I'd be able to accept such a big ticket item if I knew it was putting someone in debt. But at the same time you don't want to offend his mom either... Good luck!