How do you handle grandparents that do not share the same beliefs as you?

That would not be cool

 

Christmas has lost a lot of meaning (guess that's the word I'm looking for) considering in 2009 I got divorced two weeks prior to Christmas, 2 weeks upon returning from Afghanistan. This year I actually put up a Christmas tree, because a friend of mine that I let move in will have his kids for a few weeks (nasty divorce on his end) and I guess I've softened up a little bit, figured it would be nice for his kids to have a tree and some decorations around the house. On the gift end, I'm 36 and my mom still tries to go overboard on Christmas gifts and both my parents are now retired. I always get her back, because I end up givng my Dad a card with either money or gift certificates for restaraunts since they try out different places in The Villages, FL area!
Hooker, you are definitely going to be a good dad by the sound of things. When it comes to family and holidays and so on, the best advice is to listen to yourself! So on a side note, Happy Holidays folks.

 

I've been exactly where you are. Both my kids grandparents buy way too many gifts for my kids - and most of it was crap they didn't want or need. I tried to put my foot down a while ago, it was to no avail and I gave up. When my son was 5 he had so many gifts to open from my inlaws that he actually got tired of opening them and said "i dont want to open any more presents, I just want to play with what I got!" It was crazy, and yet my MIL still didn't understand the meaning of overboard.

I wouldn't sweat it man, they are gonna do what they are gonna do. Just enjoy Christmas with your family.

 

I can only say I feel sorry for you for not being able to capture the joy of the season and realizing the true reason for the season. As for gifts, I'd like Christmas much more without the gifts, but the true reason for the season makes me smile and appreciate it all that much more..... Merry Christmas to all....