It drives me nuts!!

I recently started a job and was invited to attend the company Christmas party the next day-with gift exchange. No one explained what that meant, but I overheard whispers of gift cards for this one and who likes a gift card for this store and that coffee shop, I had to decide. First, it’s bad form to skip the company party without a compelling reason and I won’t make one up. Second, having been there only two days by the time of the party, I felt it would be out of line to spend much. So I went to my favorite girly-girl store and bought three elegant (and very inexpensive) Christmas ornaments. They put them in their own beautiful bags with ribbons and a beautiful presentation and I walked out for about 12 bucks.

Whenever possible, suggest drawing names, especially among the adults. By common consent, my siblings and I rarely do gifts for each other. Sometimes I will see something that I really want them to have and will pick it up, but then I always mail it too late for them to do last-minute reciprocation. It’s kind of fun and totally-guilt free. But we aren’t a family that equates gifts with love.

For my parents this year I am making them some homemade lefse. Likewise for my sister who lives here in town. I will make a bit extra for a couple of swedish friends. It is inexpensive, but takes time and is something I love.

Trent, you are a writer, so you may understand this. I do sent heartfelt notes of appreciation, but I also send a small collection of my own short-stories made into a small booklet covered in heavy beautiful Christmas paper and bound with gold elastic cord. This becomes our Christmas “card” for close friends and family. I hear more about that booklet than I ever did about trinkets I would send, no matter how special. I find the cards showing up on display at friends houses. Some have all of them, and it is obvious that they put them away carefully with their Christmas decorations.

I spend more time on that then any non-writer would guess, but it is one of the most fun projects of my year. (although with the new job I haven’t printed them yet. Yikes!)

And I wanted to comment on your idea that you could write a heartfelt note “and include it with a more modest gift.” To me, the note IS the gift. A book or CD or other “small” gift can be purchased anywhere, any time of the year… but to me, the turning of the year is the perfect time to think about the gifts that can’t be bought.

Truly, no one expression of love will be appreciated equally by those you share Christmas with. Applying the concepts presented by Dr. Gary Chapman, though, can prevent so much of the emotional distress and confusion surrounding the holidays.

Perhaps one of the Five Love Languages books is worth a Simple Dollar review? I’m sure Trent and we can appreciate the cost/benefit of love well-expressed versus love lost.

Finally, thank YOU Trent. You are an inspiration.

Merry Christmas!

also: a declined credit card doesn’t necessarily mean that credit isn’t available on a card. in my many years of retail experience it just as often (if not more so) means that the account has been flagged. these incidents increase dramatically at this time of year. people are spending more money, more frequently and sometimes in cities they are traveling too.
i always encourage my customers to call their credit card company when their card is declined.

Check out

http://www.kiva.org/

To some of us it really is the thought that counts–not the gesture. The price of the gift is far less important than your knowledge of the recipient. I was thrilled the year my mom got me a blender because she’d gotten the idea from something I’d said months ago, rather than asking me for a list as usual. (And it’s a nifty blender.)

I’ve never been one who has been able to spend much money on Christmas gifts, and yet I always manage to find something that people get enjoyment out of – it makes me very happy and gives me a nice “warm fuzzy” when I see people using the gifts I’ve given them in years past, showing that the gifts I chose (usually cheaper) are still valued and important in their lives.

I REFUSE to buy gift cards for people, and instead try to couple thoughtfulness with budget and give them something they’ll enjoy that isn’t necessarily the ‘latest and greatest’.

Really, time spent with loved ones is more generous than a gift.

Christmas is actually the day we celebrate the birth of Christ our savior. I’m all for family time at Christmas and I thoroughly enjoy giving and receiving gifts, but Christmas has way more to do with where I’ll be spending eternity than where I’ll be spending Dec. 25 – Dec. 31.