Some people are just strange!

[Gemini]

We don't see much of my OH's family. Her brother and SIL live half an hour away. Her 2 nieces, both married with children, down in London.
It is a long story, but were I OH I wouldn't to speak to her brother and SIL! She does so I have to go with that and be polite and civil with them when we do see them.
Anyway, as I say we don't see lot of them. Yesterday on her birthday OH decided she would like to drop in on them, in their enormous mansion on the way home from our day out, . I suggested she made sure they were in as it added more to our journey home and really wanted to get back to the cats. I didn't want to spoil OH's birthday however.
They were in so we went and had civilised chat, as always, and a cuppa.
They then brought out some carrier bags. In these were Christmas presents to us from their 2 DDs, from the Christmas before last
One was from 'G, D and Bump' (the bump is now 16 months old) Also a Christmas present for OH from her brother and SIL. The nieces include me, Brother and SIL just buy OH a present, never mind that we are married and they came to our reception!!
Some of the gift components were edible and now well past their use by dates. Aside from that, we of course have not thanked the nieces for the gifts as we never received them!!

Bear in mind not only do they live within a half hours drive, they come to the town 4 miles from us and the shopping park a mile or so away from us, regularly.
To my mind the normal thing would be to have told us they had the gifts. Giving us the option to go for them, but much easier as they come over here as it would be a special trip out there, for them to arrange to drop them off at ours or meet up for coffee.
Weird and strange.

[Clover]

Gem you’re right ,how strange. I think I’d be ashamed to hand over these gifts after such a long time. Surely there’s been an opportunity to give them to you long before now or as you say asked you to come and collect them. Will S tell her nieces and apologise for not thanking them?

[Gemini]

Yes Clover. Brother and SIl told OH to just keep quiet and not 'own up to it' to the nieces, as if it was our fault!
We both agreed on the drive home that of course we would tell them if only to apologise and belatedly thank them for our gifts!! She spoke to the niece she is closest to last night, and will contact the other one as well.

[Plantaholic]

What a strange lot, fancy holding on to them for so long.

[Shemadee]

Very strange behaviour. Perhaps they didn’t realise the presents contained food? We lived in London and my brothers lived near my dad and stepmother but we saw more of them than two of my brothers. Mind you my stepmother complained about one brother who never visited and five minutes later about the other brother who visited too often - about once a week. Families!

[Gemini]

Shem one present was a hamper, with the food contents clearly showing! The mini bottle of Prosecco and Xmas candle ( put away for next year) were ok. Most of the rest very out of date.

[Avo]

I think it’s extraordinary behaviour and I cannot understand why they didn’t bring it when they were coming so close to you. I’d definitely thank the givers of the gifts and explain the lateness of your thanks!

[Daisy]

I agree with Avo - definitely thank the givers, and explain why the thanks are so late.

Gem - hopefully S's nieces won't route any more gifts through their very rude/unkind parents.