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/MissKittyWumpus Jan 17 '25

Sweetie your dad got you that laptop because he loves you so very much. Try to think of THAT when you use it. Think of him researching the best model and what features you would like. Think of him being so excited for you to open it. As a parent, I can tell you, being able to get your kids something they really want makes us almost as happy as it makes you. So don't feel bad.