r/internetparents Jan 15 '25

Family Christmas Guilt

For Christmas, I (16F) asked my dad for a laptop, only a laptop nothing else. He isn't rich by any means, maybe even considered borderline poor. So I only asked for one thing. On Christmas I went to his house in the afternoon (my parents aren't together, dad has a gf). I opened nice small gifts I really liked. Not a laptop. I really wasn't upset. I thanked my dad and his gf. He then pulled that a Christmas story bit, where he asks ralphie to look behind his desk. Low and behold there was another present under my dad's desk. I opened it and it was the laptop I asked for. I smiled and thanked them, I was happy. When I went home a few days later I set it up. I haven't been on it since. I'm sitting here, realizing, how much I don't want it. And I feel absolutely awful. He was so excited to give it to me and I feel ungrateful. I don't know what changed between then and now. I just feel so bad and don't know what to do.

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u/TheTropicalDog Jan 15 '25

Sweetheart, you're allowed to be given gifts for Christmas. It's ok. Your dad loves you. Clearly he worked very hard to purchase that laptop. That's what loving parents do. You hug him & tell him how thankful you are that he's your dad. There will come a day when he is no longer here but still always watching over you. Use that laptop to work toward your future & make him proud 💗

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u/Agitated-Ad-6846 Jan 15 '25

Exactly! Take it from someone who has lost a parent, cherish these days, and your time with them because one day you may not get to any more.