Buying Status?

[Patty A]

I have a question, and I have to wonder if spending a big “excessive” amount of money on Christmas is a game of trying to buy status?

The reason I ask this is I have a cousin who does nothing but tell everyone that will listen how much she is spending on her grandson for Christmas, and its getting old. I don't think the "money" amount is what is important when it comes time for a gift, its what is in your heart when your giving. I just have to wonder why she would brag about the amount she is spending on one kid?
Is it buying status? or is it just plain bragging?

[djbout]

I agree with the "buying status", in the past years I have heard numerous times from numerous people "how much they spent" like its a competition. This also trickles down to the kids when they are comparing what they got, and add dollar amount to descriptions of presents. Funny thing is I have heard less of this kinda talk this year, don't know if because it's still early in the season or people are getting "a grip".

[MomToTwoBoys]

I think it's both buying status and bragging rights. I don't feel that anyone has anything to brag about with spending a ton of cash with the way the economy is going.

I'd rather brag about how little I spent and how much I got, rather than how much I spent and how little I got.

[rainbowgc]

basically it is crude and crass behavior especially in a time when so many of your fellow citizens are financially hurting. Someone needs to tell her to get real and ask what planet she's living on LOL

[fixer]

I think people who are insecure, either financially or emotionally, use money as a way to compensate. I have always believed that people who are secure financially rarely show it through dress or by talking about it. I think people who talk about how much money they have are dealing with something worse than having no money at all.

[Lady_V]

Maybe she is telling everyone in hopes that someone will grab her by the shoulders and shake sense in to her...

Not knowing her, or her situation... just people in general... maybe she is happy to have saved that money?

[Contrary Housewife]

If she keeps bringing it up I'd say she's looking for attention. It sounds like she wants someone to ohh and ahh and exclaim what a great grandparent she is being, and validate her behavior. I think Fixer has it right. Does she think the more she spends the more the kid will love her?

[Patty A]

I do think she is trying to buy "love" of the children. She seems to have this thing about "things" making them happy when in truth all the kid wants is some attention. I also think she see's it as bragging rights, like "oh wow look how much I spend on my grandson!" type thing. Funny thing is if I get my kids anything and she see's it she goes out and gets the same thing only "a better one" no matter what it is. My daughter bought her own lap top for college, now all my cousin talks about is getting one for the grandson for Christmas. Two years ago all my one daughter wanted for Christmas was a MP3 player, so I got her one for her gift. When my cousin found out (and she always asks!) she went and got her grandson one along with all the things she could find that went along with it, like the docking station and all the little plug in goodies. She always tells me what she pays out for his gifts, I don't care what she does or how she does it but she acts like it gives her bragging rights. Then goes on to tell me she can't afford to buy groceries! I just can't figure it out, and have to wonder what makes her tick?????

[Grayce]

Does she actually mention the amount of money she is spending or just what she is buying (and they are expensive things)? She might just be excited about getting things for her grandchild.

[Greebo]

Status is the only known disease in existence that, when you get it, makes others sick.

I feel sorry for your poor cousin who has become inflicted with an acute case of status.

[Ceashels]

My Mom's friend (divorcee and in her early 70's) bought so much status since her unexpected divorce she has no way of paying back the tens of thousands of dollars debt that came with it. It is a sad situation, her adult children and their wives live with her but don't contribute enough to really help her out. I expect her to die with a lot of debt.

[phoeny_moonstar]

I think it is trul;y sad when someone only appreciates the cost of a christmas present versus the VALUE of a christmas present. KWIM?

[Katybird]

I think it is incredibly crude of anyone to brag about the amount of money spent on any gift. Gift giving should be an act of the heart and not a cry for acknowledgment.

[Mom23boys]

I hate to think how much of that 'status' is being paid for with credit. It isn't worth it!

[MommyBliss]

We don't tell people what we spend on our children. It's no one's business, but our own and I don't ask people what they spend. My best friend and I may compare notes, but that is when we are looking for deals and helping each other out.