Welcome! Welcome! It’s the most wonderful time of year! You know the one–with the hustle and bustle and holiday cheer? We are in the midst of Christmas season and that means that Santa’s elves–and your bank account–are hard at work trying to spread a little holiday magic to everyone you know and love. It can be exhausting–and expensive–but it’s supposed to be fun! Here are some practical ways to help make gift-giving more joyous and less chaotic.
The Re-gift
Dun. Dun. Dun. The dreaded re-gift! Is it allowed? Bad form? Is there anything worse than regifting in the presence of the original giftee?? Well, here’s the thing–just because YOU don’t want a gift does not make that gift inherently bad. If you got your fifteenth scented candle, that IS bad for you–but could be just the thing that your baby sister needs in her new apartment. It’s all about knowing your audience and gifting thoughtfully. Oh, and no one wants the fruitcake.
Hostess Gifts
You’re going to be invited a lot of places over the next few weeks and good etiquette suggests you should bring a hostess gift. This typically means a bottle of wine or some flowers. However, one can only display so many flowers and drink so many bottles of wine. A few cost-effective and easy ideas that we love: a board game to get the party going, some fancy coffee or chocolates that can be enjoyed as a group or the following morning during clean up, or a gorgeous coffee table book that reflects your host’s interests.
Teachers–so many teachers!
As your kids go through school, you will find that they no longer just have one teacher–they have several plus the crossing guard, the bus driver, the front office lady who never judges you when you’re late…it truly takes a village. But Christmas gifts for the whole town can really add up. Truthfully, these people work hard and are grateful for some handwritten acknowledgement–even get your kiddo to write down a favorite memory from the year. Throw in a $5 gift card to a coffee place near the school and you’re golden.
The Dreaded “Caught Without A Gift†Moment
It’s happened to us all: you’re meeting a friend around the holidays and around the corner they appear with a beautifully wrapped gift–while you fidget empty handed. Look, instead of feeling awful, be gracious. Gift giving truly is about spreading joy and receiving kindness. Be grateful for your generous friend and don’t try to sneak off to buy them something Amazon Prime. Enjoy the moment and if your guilt is really gnawing at you, follow up your meeting with a kind email about how much you value you them and a charitable donation in their name. A win-win!
The Impossible-to-Shop-For Friends and Family
“If they want something, they just buy itâ€. “They literally don’t need a thingâ€.
Again, gifting is about the sentiment. We all have this person. We are all keenly aware of the person who takes our gift, and shoves it in a closet when they get home. *See the first subtitle of this article*. Listen–that’s okay! We have all known this person and most of us have BEEN this person at one point or another. The fact is, its still the thought that counts. The person still loves being thought of and cared for–and that you saved them a trip to the store by getting them that candle that’s perfect for their little sister’s new apartment.
Happy Holidays–make the best of it!
