Hi Midnight Soul,

This does indeed sound like a very hard situation and I can relate to having a family that "sucks you in" to power plays. I wish I knew the right thing to say... I would say try to stay out of all power plays in any way you can. Try to stay "out of it" but try to see the best in the situation. And always stay true to yourself and know that you are a strong and good person and that you can call on an inner power whenever you need it.
As for gifts... I would agree that "time spent together" is the most overlooked gift. Painting, or baking cookies is wonderful. You can always explain that while you don't have the money for the gifts you would have liked to buy, that time spent together is something you value and you hope they do too. Maybe you could pack up a little basket of flour, sugar and other baking ingredients to share... or paint and paper... I know these things alone aren't cheap
Also... for an inexpensive gift I like to give people seeds for herbs that they can start in their kitchen! Everyone enjoys them from little kids to adults. Sometimes you can also find small pots and cute gardening gloves at the dollar store. Then you can take a sharpee and write their names on the pots...
Sending supportive thoughts your way.

E