Zero presents this year.

Look at the economy right now - people can't afford to be buying gifts. And guess what I'm 20 years old, in college, and for Christmas right now I'm just asking for any money possible in order just to buy my books for next semester. My parents don't pay for any of my college because they can't afford it so I'm stuck with all the loans and I'm just glad they help at all. And be glad your mom got you a car because if you were to get one at your age you'd either need a great cosigner or you'd need a lot of money to put down and either way you wouldn't be getting the best interest rate. Be happy with what you have. Christmas isn't the time of how much you can get - its a time for how much you can show you care.

I'm sorry. I haven't read any of the other responses yet but I don't believe it's okay to slight you and yet give gifts to everybody else. Even though people cite the economy as a reason, someone could still give you some movie tickets or a gas card, or a gift card so you could go out. I don't think it is kind of people to assume that 'just because someone is grown up' that it's any less hurtful to not feel thought of and to have no gifts and think it's okay. I'm 'grown up' and I still appreciate gifts. They don't have to be big or expensive, just well thought out. Meaningful things don't have to cost much, but they take some thought from the giver. I do think that relieving some of the car debt will be a nice thing, I remember car debt when I wasn't much older than you. What would make your year better... now that it's almost up?

I understand what you relatives meant on not giving you presents anymore... i also did that to my young cousins who are already working... i thought that since they are already earning money... they can buy whatever they want... and that it is their turn to give christmas presents to the younger generation...

Im sorry to hear about you feeling bad and feeling of being left out. I know that times are tuff but Im a sucker for gift giving even on a budget. Maybe your family is looking at like an adult and think that you understand the stress this year for money. Try to positive and be thankful that you are getting to go to college. Keep you head high and keep smiling.

No offence... but grow up, man. You're what, nineteen? When did you imagine the presents would stop? You've got a car, you've got a home to go to, and $15 is more than some people make in a year - why not be grateful for what you do have? I'm really not having a go; just keep everything in perspective, yeah?

Don't know your exact situation, or history so I will try not to be to harsh. As for presents being sent from family, and not neccessarily to you, I'm just wondering how much of your rebellion is coming back to haunt you. On the cards you received this year, have you already opened them? If not, you know they may contain money. Regardless of how much, your family members may find you difficult to shop for, and given your age just decided to give you cash. The fact that your parents are in a situation to provide you a car is a priviledge believe or not. Even if you are expected to pay for it eventually. Many families don't have that as an option. I will give you credit for asking your mother to reduce your debt on the car in lieu of a christmas present though, that was smart, and sensible. You are at the age when you have everything in the world in your future, but at the same time not a whole lot of life experience in the real world. I don't doubt for a second that you may have had a tough year, but believe me, It could be worse. Your at the crossroads of being a legal adult, and being a real adult, and there is a big difference. I guarantee you will find a whole lot of things you expected to be there in your past, will not be there in your near future. Good luck to you...

Hey, you're grown up now and need to stop thinking and acting like a child. The world isn't going to come to an end if you don't get a lot for Christmas. Enjoy giving gifts to others, and you can feel good about yourself.It truly is better to give than receive.

Dearest olisaur; In times like these we simply need to count our blessings. I can understand how you must feel, when others, such as your mom and sister have gifts to unwrap at Christmas and you do not. Seems unfair. On the otherhand, we in our family, stick to immediate family members and kids who are relatives through marriage, unless they are fifteen or older. Then we usually do not provide gifts. Christmas is for kids. For us adults, Christmas is not all about gifts. I hope that regardless of the absense of gifts that you may find in your heart to rejoice with the members of your family that you have to spend Christmas day with. Life is short. Christmas doesn't have to be a drag just because we are not receiving gifts. Besides that, a car is something to be thankful for! An awesome gift. I'd be glad that such a gift wasn't held off until Christmas.. You received it in time to get yourself to college so to further your education. Good on you! I don't think it is because you may of been a rebellious kid in highschool or because of the tattoo either. I know here at our end, the cost of living is going up and money is getting tighter and tighter. Can you manage financially to purchase gifts for each and every one of your family members? Including extended family members in order to reciprocate their kind gesture, even if it was last year? I tried my best but unfortunately by next year, things may not be any better, since we will all be digging out of this recession. Don't sweat the gift giving, just enjoy the day. Be thankful that you can share Christmas day with your family members, regardless. Some others are not as fortunate. Some people would do almost anything to be able to be home, with their family for Christmas but simply can not and for differenct reasons. I am positive that even just being there would mean the world to them too, regardless of any gifts. Just a different slant on things. Wishing you a warm, happy and safe Christmas to you and yours. Cheers.

I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad. It sounds to me as if you are feeling bad about yourself as much as the lack of presents. Our family does this also...we focus on the kids and it is always tough when one of them turns 18 and are recieving so much less. I have a 15 yr old and 3 girls that are grown. I always buy as much as I can for the older girls but it is still way less than what I get the 15 yr old. I always worry that they'll feel sad and left out like you are feeling. I hope not. It isn't that I don't want to buy a lot for them because I do. Realistically, I just can't do it. Try not to take it too much to heart. You are at a really tough age. In many ways you are still a kid just learning and adjusting to being an adult. Try to have a fun time and don't take the lack of gifts to heart. Merry Christmas!

It sad to know that nobody will give you presents on 19th Christmas. I guess now children would expect gifts from you. being baby of my house, the youngest daughter, I am blessed with all gifts here, though I am 24 and married now. But I am full of gifts right now and too busy in packing gifts for my family and friends. I wish I could gift you something to make you happy.

I'm sorry to hear that! I don't think that's right i mean it must hurt to see evryone else getting gifts and not you. I know a lot of people are hard on money right now but still they have to think or everyone! I remember when i was growing up my dads side would always only get my little sister something and not me (even when we were younger they never got me anything) It was because i was not my dads "blood" daughter so they didn't see me as family but he was around all my life but that didn't matter to them! I would go in the bathroom and cry... i hated going there! Your not alone and i hope you will get a surprise for Christmas.

Hi Oli, As you have mentioned your big enough, you are 19 already, so instead of expecting a gift grom your family or from someone else why dont you try to give present to your loveones for a change? I am sure they will get shocked and pretty much sure it will be appreciated. If they dont appreciate whatever you gave them,well atleast you have done your part,knowing that you exerted some effort to to think of a gift and wrap it, its already a big incentives. Like us, we are 5 siblings and my parents got presents from us 5 every christmas, because we love to give them presents this christmas, we are not expecting gift in return. But, though we didnt expect, we still recieved presents too from our mother, and we sisters gave each others present too. And thats the good thing to have a big family like us,ahahha.incuding my nieces and nephews. Its so nice to have a crowded family in Christmas time. Hey try to give presents atleast to your parents oli. and tell me what happened okay. Bye.Have a great Christmas to you and to your family.

You must be grateful of what you have. You are so blessed. Many people now are suffering and compared to the you are still more blessed. Look, instead of thinking what you don't have why not count your blessings? I hope you will realize the many blessings you have.

economy is the problem dear stil u have enjoyed ur life till 19 on ur parents well now its ur turn to enjoy with ur money . don worry u will have a good christmas dear hmmm This a hard tymn as econmy is low .... gifts are not easy to buy hmm stil dont take any tention carry on chillinn

I feel like I've reached that point at some points myself. Last year was one of those years. This year will be a little better I think. I still don't think it will be a big year but I just hope that it turns out a little better than it did last year.

No No do not say that. Still there is time for Christmas. Even if no gift comes, why do'nt you present for your own self? I do that. After all who will understand and like you more than your own self? Even near and dear ones may not understand you properly or fully. But you will really and clearly know what you are. So keep Olisaur apart, think that it is a different person and give olisaur a lovely present. Olisaur is loved by somebody and has been given present. Happy? Ok. from my side I am sending a lovely Rose to you as Christmas gift. Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.

here only the companies or the big shopping malls like to place one Christmas tree before the door and put some gift box on it but actually there will be nothing in those boxes. just empty boxes and i do not know what kind of gift you will place on the gift box .

Hello olisaur, I am sorry to you are feeling so down during the holiday season. this time of year is suppose to be all about the togetherness and family not about being shunned. It sounds like to me that you are at the age where money is the best gift for you and honestly at 19 I would rather have cash too that way I could buy what I wanted and not get stuck with an old orange sweater or something that my grama made. My kid are 8 and 10 and that is what they get from grandma on dads side and they are fine with that because they feel like they are in control then I guess. It sounds like your mom loves you very much especially by buying a car for college for you. I know that right now it may stink that you have to pay her back but that is part of growing up and learning responsibility...we all had to do and while it sucked then as and adult after college you will be thankful things were not just handed to you. It is the season for happiness and caring not about how many gifts you get so cheer up and be thankful for the things you have like your mom and sister...

Hi Look at the other side.pesents are not everything Afterall,I thik giving presents is just commercialising the festival. I think this is the way of your family saying that you are grown up and can look after yourself. There are betterw ays of celebrating Chrsitmas rather than just sharing presents. plaese dont get offended,it is just my personal opinion!!!!!