# Need urgent assistance--pre-Christmas issues **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 23, 2014, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027 "2014-12-23T16:30:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/21 "2014-12-23T17:10:03Z")
Wait, did they wear the shoes in the house? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/22 "2014-12-23T17:12:12Z")
I simply cannot take the OP seriously. I also hear bells and since it’s a bit early for Santa, I must therefore conclude that my leg - the one with the bells on - is being pulled. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/23 "2014-12-23T17:14:07Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > I simply cannot take the OP seriously. > > I also hear bells and since it’s a bit early for Santa, I must therefore conclude that my leg - the one with the bells on - is being pulled. She’s tugging on it to see what shoes you’re wearing. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/24 "2014-12-23T17:16:11Z")
My mother was an only child so you can’t be her. I think you need a new hobby. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/25 "2014-12-23T17:18:24Z")
> [@WonderdingMom](#): > > See these two photos I found online to show you what the two boys came wearing (and had no other pair of shoes to change into): I assume if the OP knows that the nephews didn’t have other shoes, she made her displeasure known. In that case, they may wear better shoes this time. If not, as others said, don’t make a big deal about it. Enjoy your time as a family. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/26 "2014-12-23T17:20:54Z")
I’ll give you this, **WonderdingMom** : you’ve solicited inter-personal family-related advice about matters of very personal opinion … and so far, you’ve received a unanimous response from us. And we don’t agree about _nuthin_’ around here. That goes triple for anything regarding family stuff, the holidays, and attire. But we agree about you! 'Tis the season. ---
**Author:** ![brainstall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@brainstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brainstall)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/27 "2014-12-23T17:23:15Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > You know, I just changed my mind. > > You should ABSOLUTELY call your sister and tell her exactly how you feel. Make sure to get her husband on another line, too. > > That way, they’ll know to not bother spending time with you. > > Y’know, I can’t shake the feeling that this is still some kind of spam. All the links… This - both on the advice and the hint of spam in the thanksgiving meal. Just a little too much emphasis on the brand name shoes. If this is serious, does anyone care that much about what kind of shoes someone wears to a family meal? Who exactly is at this meal? Maybe you should just make everyone take their shoes off at the door and then you can hide the offending ones in the closet so no one has to see them and feel that the specialness of the occasion is ruined. ---
**Author:** ![Calatin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Calatin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calatin)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/28 "2014-12-23T17:25:31Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I’ll give you this, **WonderdingMom** : you’ve solicited inter-personal family-related advice about matters of very personal opinion … and so far, you’ve received a unanimous response from us. And we don’t agree about _nuthin_’ around here. That goes triple for anything regarding family stuff, the holidays, and attire. But we agree about you! > > 'Tis the season. It’s a Christmas miracle! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/29 "2014-12-23T17:29:48Z")
I’m a guy who likes wearing ties, goes to church more than regularly, and I’m still wondering what bug flew up the OP’s butt. And, uh… “church attire”? Have you (the OP) even been to church recently? Be glad they didn’t show up in t-shirts and cut-off shorts. 😃 Granted, some churches/denominations have far stricter regulations (for want of a better word) for dress than the typical San Antonio-area Catholic church, but that doesn’t mean that the standards at your church is the same as that of the church your 200-miles-away family attends. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/30 "2014-12-23T17:34:39Z")
Uh what the hell is someone supposed to do if their hair is too short for your liking? Concentrate real hard and make it grow out? I can’t believe someone is bitching a teen boy’s hair is too damn short! ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/31 "2014-12-23T17:43:08Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > And, uh… “church attire”? Have you (the OP) even been to church recently? Be glad they didn’t show up in t-shirts and cut-off shorts. 😃 Granted, some churches/denominations have far stricter regulations (for want of a better word) for dress than the typical San Antonio-area Catholic church, but that doesn’t mean that the standards at your church is the same as that of the church your 200-miles-away family attends. And Jesus wore sandals. OP’s head would explode if the kids showed up wearing sandals. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/32 "2014-12-23T17:45:35Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Wait, did they wear the shoes in the house? Heh - that was going to be my response - “Tell them you’re going Canadian-style this year, and all shoes come off as soon as they come in the house.” 😃 Teenagers wearing black runners and having their hair cut short - my Gawd, what is this world coming to?!? ---
**Author:** ![Latimera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/latimera/32/497_2.png) [@Latimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Latimera)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/33 "2014-12-23T17:45:47Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > I’ll bet my Christmas bonus\* that we never hear from this poster again. This… ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/34 "2014-12-23T17:46:31Z")
I think it could be real. Sometimes a mentally ill person starts focusing on weird random stuff and imagining slights that are not happening or can lose reasonable perspective. It could also be the side effect of a prescription drug. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/35 "2014-12-23T17:53:42Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > And Jesus wore sandals. OP’s head would explode if the kids showed up wearing sandals. BLASPHEMER! Why, everyone knows that Jesus wore [Bruno Magli](http://brunomagli.iw-services.de/index.php/herren/schuhe.html) hard-topped leather shoes! ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/36 "2014-12-23T17:59:06Z")
I have to think this is a joke. If it’s not, I’d just like to say that I would never want to spend any time at your house. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Ruby\_Slippers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/94ad74/32.png) [@Ruby\_Slippers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby_Slippers)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/37 "2014-12-23T18:08:17Z")
Do your sister and her family a huge favor and stop inviting them to these occasions. It’s clear that you prefer formal, properly-attired events rather than family meals. If you want to see your family, make it a family-only occasion where everyone dresses to suit themselves (within reason!). If you want your formal affairs, invite only those you know can be counted on to dress appropriately. Don’t try to combine the two. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/38 "2014-12-23T18:15:39Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > You posted this in at least three of our forums. > [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > Y’know, I can’t shake the feeling that this is still some kind of spam. All the links… > [@QuickSilver](#): > > I also hear bells and since it’s a bit early for Santa, I must therefore conclude that my leg - the one with the bells on - is being pulled. The moment **Jonathan Chance** posted it all hit home. The OP is offer a bit of Christmas Woosh. And with no receipt, we cannot exchange it for something else. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/39 "2014-12-23T18:20:59Z")
> [@sachertorte](#): > > You could passive-aggressively give the kids dress shoes for a Christmas gift. > Other than that, I would say, you are being a bit ridiculous. And get a [Louis XIV](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robert_Nanteuil_-_Louis_XIV_-_WGA16427.jpg) wig for the Marine kid too. (Disclaimer: I’ve been wearing Converse All-Stars for 30 years now. (No, not the _same_ All-Stars for 30 years.)) ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2014, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027/40 "2014-12-23T18:26:38Z")
Some would say that a military-style haircut is the ultimate in neat grooming for a man. As suggested above, it may have been a sincere effort to look extra-sharp for you. I can’t see where there’s any basis for complaint other than that you personally don’t care for it. It’s not your favorite look? Tough noogies, GET OVER IT. I’m sorry to say your carping about it makes you look ridiculous. While the shoes are not considered dress attire, as mentioned above they are acceptable wear in many churches of various denominations, and there may have been factors of available selection or comfort in their being worn. I doubt the other people at the table were thinking about them, much less looking at them, during the meal. Now, if they put their feet up on the dinner table wearing those shoes, that’s a legitimate complaint. Otherwise, LIGHTEN UP. If other folks’ choice of footwear is your biggest worry, you have a blessed life. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-urgent-assistance-pre-christmas-issues/708027.md?page=3)