... to think the gifts received by GCs are way toooo expensive and sophisticated ...

Don't we need to keep this in perspective?
It was a TV programme, as I understand, about expensive presents and how SOME children are spoiled/demanding/over indulged.
Of course it would have shown an extreme point of view but that doesn't mean that ALL or even the majority of children are the same.
It has always been the way of the older generation to bemoan the habits of their children -their clothes, choice of music, how they speak, how they parent! I dare say it went on hundreds of years ago and it will continue long after we are gone. The big difference is the universality of information via the media and social media which means we know more about other people's private lives than before and I dare say, often more than is good for us.
But I think we should also guard against morphing into tutting, clucking , disapproving grandparents in the mould of Victor Meldrew or "Bah humbugging" Ebeneezer Scrooge types ?

I don't understand - who is mocking/bullying children? Where has that come from granjura?

Blimey! Wish I hadn't bothered reading it with all the tit for tat. If anyone doesn't like certain posts they don't have to read them, they can just ignore it and then look at the other posts. It's always been the same. There have always been children who get spoilt by parents/other relatives who are well off. We didn't have a lot when we were young, because my mum brought us up on her own after my dad left home when we were all young. Children get so many presents nowadays that it just seems better if they get fewer presents, and money to be put into a bank account for when they're older. Or fewer presents, then take them on a special outing instead of more gifts that take up so much room in the house, and the parents don't know what to do with, especially if they've got several children who all have lots of toys.

I should hope it wasn't personal experience. One of those rocking horses could buy a house up here!

Given that all this topic started not with personal experience, but with a TV programme which I am afraid I had never heard of, and would probably not have had time to watch, I do wonder if there is a risk of thinking what you see on TV /read in the newspaper (especially the likes of the DM or other red tops!) is a true reflection of real life. Like those awful "Benefits cheats" type programmes which I also do not watch, do not forget, the makers are out to make a programme, create a sensation, arouse some controversy, get people talking.
Or to summarise in a well know journalists' maxim

"never let the truth get in the way of a good story"

Of course there is nothing wrong at all with disagreeing- or even saying 'yes, I think you are AIBU- hopefully with a reason why.

As several have said, there are ways and ways of doing so. One way is a reasoned disucssion, the other is just plain and simple, unpleasant 'attacks' - as said, by the usual culprits.

It's sad and unpleasant. So be it.

The OP btw is not a problem at all for us personally as grandparents- but was a general statement of concern about the over commercialisation of Christmas, the influence of advertising onn kids- but mainly the pressure put upon parents who have very little, to compete to avoid 'mocking/bullying' for their children- and the debt some families get into which puts massive pressure on them for the rest of the year.

You can't see it, disagree, that is fine. Again, there are ways and ways- as well you know.

I got lost somewhere - is this still to do with gifts?

Yes, admirable.

I have done that all my life Ana..all through the 70s when my kids were tiny, I was working p/t, and we got through each month ..just.. and DH worked more than one job to make ends meet. I have been in tough situations and I know plenty of younger people who are active despite difficult personal situations..that is the driver! Poverty and difficult times are not new..sadly!

I think -
Horses for courses
It takes all sorts
There's nowt so odd as folk
It is better to give than to receive
The less some people have the more they spend

And as I said before, an awful lot of people have no energy left for lobbying, campaigning etc. - just living from day to day and raising a family is stretching it.

Fine if you're retired and that's what you want to do.

Still

No - as regards Christmas presents for the DGC I vote according to the DC!

Well one can lobby, campaign, write letters..not accept the status quo, add a voice to the dissent..unless of course one supports the status quo then there is nothing to do.

Think it means voting, Jalima, but as the next GE is four years away and there's no credible opposition to the current government, I don't know what Penstemmon expects to change!

Ana a cross in a square does not take a lot of effort!
Sorry, but I don't understand that

There are plenty of posters to give alternative opinions, if one poster wants to ignore it.
Plus it really wouldnt be the end of the world if a thread did end up as a monologue.

Agree with Granmary18.

Ana a cross in a square does not take a lot of effort!

Probably because a lot of the 'people' are struggling themselves and can barely find the energy to provide for their own families, never mind worrying about redistributing wealth!

Life is unequal. Some people are rich some are not. Some people are wise parents/GPs, some are not!

I expect there are some children who do receive very many gifts, some of which might be considered by the majority of GNs as OTT.

That is the way of the world and it feels as if it is growing more unequal at the moment. There does not seem to be a will amongst the 'people' to redistribute wealth to make life a bit more equal.

petra I'm not entirely sure who the usual suspects are or why there will be no disagreement ...just don't understand why the thread topic is being bemoaned ...noone has to join in kf they domt want to.

Perhaps we should leave this thread to the usual suspects, then there will be no disagreement

All this niggling makes me think I mist have missed something ...but no, its just a perfectly ok thread that someone can choose to join or choose to ignore!
Regarding my presentsvfor my grandchildren, cost varies everybyear according to what they need/ what I fancy giving!

Daphne!

And if a thread ie entitled "AIBU...." etc, it can as readily invite the answer "Yes" (YABU) as "NYANBU "

If everybody with a contrary opinion ignores a thread they don't agree with you just get a series of monologues.
Come to think of it....
Anyway, Scrooge is clearly alive and well in some areas.
" And God bless us every one!"