Sharon Chaffino

Your hand made gifts are really lovely. Only our familys can hurt us with their lack of consideration. However, maybe they made this decision because times are hard and and funds are scarce, and everyone is not as talented as you. My family has done the white elepant thing a couple of times through the years in order to spare the feelings of some of our struggling family members. Everyone really enjoyed the exchange, as it was turned in to a steal game. It was always very interesting to see what you ended up with. Sometimes it was a family treasure!! Give your gifts to them with the wonderful spirt you orginally intended. God Bless you and yours.

Jeanne Fauss

I Would give them anyway. Your artistic ability probably is hard to keep up with. Not everybody has time or ability to do the same. That's OK. Don't let it b other you, just give them this year, and then go along with the crowd next year.

sewingrams

I have to agree with everyone. Christmas is about giving of the heart and you made all the gifts from the heart so give them. And the have fun with the other. Christmas is about LOVE and I think you showed your love for your family. Have a wonderful Christmas,don't let others take your joy of the Holiday away from you.

klgreene

I agree with Amma. Just give the gifts like you had intended. Find a piece of junk for the white elephant and have fun with that. I don't exchange gifts with DH family or my family for that matter, but I still wanted to make my one SIL a table mat for her 5th wheel. I'm not expecting anything in return. She's helped me so much, and I just wanted to make it for her. It's all in the spirit of Christmas. So don't let DH's family ruin that for you.

AnnaK

I love Amma's response and second the motion. You made the gifts with love in your heart and nothing should take that sentiment from you. It will be a real exercise in gratitude and generosity on your part to give them these gifts regardless of how hurt you might feel. You enjoyed making these gifts (and they are beautiful!) and you shouldn't have any negativity enter into the experience. Just do it like Amma said. If anyone says anything just tell them you had them all made up ahead of getting the instructions. Bless your caring and generous heart!

peaceandjoy

Those little tooth pillows are darlilng; it would be a shame not to give them to little ones just because their parents have made this last-minute change.

Perhaps somebody suggested no gifting b/c of financial situation? You might be surprised who is feeling stressed over money - even if they continue to spend to save face. Or maybe they just don't want more "stuff" because clearly they don't put the effort into gift giving that you do.

I think you've already been given the gift - the gift of caring. You cared enough to find out what colors, etc., and made something special for them. You have a generous heart, or wouldn't have done that to begin with. Don't let their attitude change yours. Give the gifts, enjoy the spirit of Christmas that you truly do have.

Dobbie

Give the gifts!! Your reward is in Heaven!!

suern3

Ditto this idea. Try to have fun anyway.

Sew 'N Sew

If you feel uncomfortable about giving them at Christmas no matter what SIL says, maybe save them for birthdays through the next year. I seldom make anything for family anymore as they don't appreciate getting some "home made"!!

rather B stitchin

everyone has birthdays? you have 2011 covered :)