Dear Lauren,
This year my extended family decided that they didn’t want to exchange gifts. However, I really want to buy them all something. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Santa’s Elf
Dear Elf,
Christmas is the one time of year that we all are able to get together with our loved ones to spread joy and happiness.
It’s also the best time of the year to give gifts to those special people in our lives, too. But sometimes people just don’t want to do that.
I’m sure your family doesn’t want to abstain from giving gifts this year, because they are all stingy little Grinches. There is probably a financial reason behind it.
While gift giving makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, it makes your bank account a cold wasteland by the end of it.
The worst thing you could do in this situation is to ignore their wishes and buy them all gifts anyway. That will only make them feel bad that they were unable to get you and everyone else something.
If you absolutely have to give something to them, keep it simple. Make them nice homemade Christmas cards or a little ornament from things you have laying around the house. If you’re great at baking, you could make some cookies for everyone and put them in nice little holiday tins.
The key to not offended anyone with your goodwill this year is to K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, stupid. By giving them something homemade, especially baked goods, they won’t really see it as a big gift that you spent loads of money on. Instead, they will think of it as a loving gesture from a family member.
Happy Holidays! And remember to listen to Lauren!
Lauren Dwyer
Senior Features Editor
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