Entertaining the family at Christmas

It seems to happen quite often that well-mannered adults revert to thoughtless teens when it comes to visiting parents.

I doubt they go to friends' or colleagues' houses without taking anything nor give last-minute gifts.

Hopefully, it is because they feel they do not have to impress you and that they are just coming home.

I think you are absolutely right.

Who is having a fit here?

The kids who brought something but not up to OP's standards
or
the OP for evaluating what kind of a gift she should have received based on the successful career of the AC?

Not so sure the AC are at fault here

Having a fit, let me rephrased

Who is not displaying good manners here?

You perhaps? You do not know my full circumstances. I think you should try to be kind. If you read each entry you will see that ultimately and after listening to posters, I agreed that it was just lovely to see the family. This is my first time posting. I didn’t expect judgement.

Christmas for us is a family event and without ever planning it, it has evolved so that everyone contributes something.

DD makes the mince pies, brings me arms full of berried holly, all the nibbles and this year a box of 6 bottles of ready-mulled wine. DS brings the cheese and, last year, DGD took over making the Cristmas biscuits(for those who do not like mince pies). DD also bought tickets for us all to visit Blenheim Palace, house and gardens, to see the decorations and lights. DS has done any top-up shopping; milk and bottles of pop, And they all brought flowers.

I would never go anywhere empty-handed, i would always take flowers, or a bottle or something small I know will be appreciated. It is what I was brought up to do.