No presents this year from my ds and dil

Buy yourself a box of chocs, scouse. I can recommend Hotel Chocolat ones.

You could even offer them one after dinner while telling them that it was your xmas present to yourself

I'd go along withsuzied just agree not to buy presents.
As long as you see them at Christmas surely that's the main thing. Say nothing, it's not worth falling out over. Some people have got short arms and deep pockets. That's life!

I've just re-read my op. I should have said helped make him the man. I realise he had a hand in it

Ana we would do the same if we had a large family. As it is there is only H and I, S, D and two GC. So we all buy for each other.

I wouldn't be 'miffed' not to get a present from any of my family I'd rather they spent their money on themselves whether that were paying bills or otherwise. Can you not just accept the reasons they have given you and be happy to spend time with them. We are doing a Secret Santa for the grown ups just buying for the little ones. Perhaps they don't realise you find it a struggle (if you do) to afford petrol and meals out maybe a chat with your son would clear up a few misconceptions.

I can't see them turning up on Boxing day completely empty-handed, but then I don't know them.

Your son sounds like one of my nephews. He has a very well paid job but whenever he eats out with my brother he keeps his wallet firmly shut !!
We know that Christmas should be about giving not recieving but I think children should appreciate their parents. After all you made him the man he is one who is capable of earning his decent wage. A token gift wouldn't break him.

We don't buy presents for the adults in the family.

I'm not sure why you're so upset, Scousegirl, what sort of presents have they given you in the past...?

To be less flippant, we do a secret santa at Christmas so only buy one present, we tend to splash out a bit on birthdays to make up for it. I would feel a miffed in your position, but there's nothing much you can do about it, just say ok, well we won't buy any presents either.

Well I trust you aren't buying them anything!