Am I a Scrooge?

[poohluvrs]

Sorry that happened when you were nice enough to host the holiday! We had a crowd here and there was the inevitable crisis - seems the holidays just bring them out...Don't feel bad about what happened, it wasn't your fault.

 

[cybrkitn]

No way! But I loved the way you handled it That should teach them!

 

[JR6ooo4]

Correct you are. If it was a table setting that is given as a gift it usualy comes with a tag saying that. If something doesn't say "please take this home to remember... blah blah" then you have to ask before taking.

Mikeeee

 

[Ranatra]

Your BIL must have looked a little ridiculous stomping off like that
He was wrong, he'll have to get over it.

I think you handled it great.

 

[lg3]

Correct you are. If it was a table setting that is given as a gift it usualy comes with a tag saying that. If something doesn't say "please take this home to remember... blah blah" then you have to ask before taking.Mikeeee

IA. You did no wrong, and in fact tried to make the best out of the situation. The real question now is, Where do you want to go from here with your BIL & sister? Very strange on his part - Why get mad about it, even if he was embarrassed. You didn't mention what nephew's mom/your sister said or acted before your mom piped in - that might make a big difference. I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully this doesn't turn out to be a problem down the line.

 

[Saphire]

I think you handled it great, and I loved your comment 'wayward stocking', lol. He stomped off mad after he took your stuff, after he enjoyed a meal in your home that you prepared for him? One of my favorite sayings is "no good deed goes unpunished". You are not a scrooge.

 

[joshsmom]

You didn't mention what nephew's mom/your sister said or acted before your mom piped in - that might make a big difference. I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully this doesn't turn out to be a problem down the line.

She was a bit confused. Often my nephew will play with little things sitting around (that's why I put toy-like things where he can get to them and my "good stuff" up on shelves). Nephew knows he can play with whatever is in his reach. But he was not the culprit--much to my surprise. My sister/his mother did not understand why other sister/BIL would take the stockings.

I must clarify--there was a stocking at each place with silverware in it. However, there were only 4 different designs. It is not a customary at our gatherings to have any type of party favors. I was bothered that I was not even asked if they were to take home--they just disappeared.

I have had everyone over since Christmas--its also a tradition that since we make more than enough food, everyone is welcome over the rest of the week to eat left-overs. There are only 10 of us all together, so its not a HUGE gathering. Neither the stockings, nor the tantrum, have been mentioned. It doesn't appear it will be a lasting problem since Sis and BIL have been here since. I was just kinda shocked that my mother would think that it was ok for them to stuff them in their pockets and walk out with them. I would never take anything out of anyone's home unless A. they told me to take it home with me B. I asked about it first