So yesterday, I get home from work, open my screen door and surprise! A package tumbles down onto my feet.
It’s from a friend in L.A.
One who was not on my Christmas list (not because she is bad, but because I’m broke, and we don’t usually send each other anything for Christmas anyway).
I open it–it’s two dog leashes (very cute–one is a string of plastic sausages and the other is a string of plastic Milk Bones) and a squeaky toy (yes, I do have dogs)…
…from Fred Segal. :eek: (Who knew my dogs were so chic?)
So far the only person who understands why this is making me cuss is my mother. Please tell me that someone else out there understands that THIS means I’ll be blowing my Christmas budget even further by sending a gift back to her (which at this point should probably be sent Priority to make sure it gets there on time). NO, I absolutely don’t think she expects anything in return…
…but, as a child raised by my mother, I feel obligated to send her something, and will feel like the World’s Biggest :wally if I don’t. No way around it. Aside from maybe therapy. But there’s no time for that now. I gotta go shopping!
So reassure me, somebody, that I’m not the only one who ends up being slightly resentful of the Unexpected Christmas Gift…
I get pissed at my brother every year when he breaks the “no gifts except for the kids” agreement. This year, however, I know his money is tight so I think I’m in the clear.
My best friend and I were on strict “NO FRIGGIN’ GIFTS” policy last year, because she was on the verge of divorce and had not a penny to her name. I’ve never really been able to spend a lot of $ on Christmas, so it was fine with me.
This year, she’s back with the husband, and when I went over to her house Sunday night, there were 5 presents under the tree for me. And these aren’t small, “potentially earrings or a cassette” type presents. They are sweater sized boxes. Now, while I appreciate her thoughtfulness and care in picking out a gift for me, it really makes me feel like a louse because all I got her was a tealight candle holder. I want to go out and get her at least one nice thing, but I don’t have a clue of where to start.
Now, see, that’s why I tell everyone up front that just because I give them something doesn’t mean they have to give me something back. And I really mean it. I just like giving people presents- nothing fancy, this year I’m making gift baskets with homemade jams and stuff. It’s the one time of the year that I get to show how much I appreciate family and friends and it makes me happy to give things. Though I agree one shouldn’t go overboard on expensive gifts.
It sort of bothers me though when my family grumble and groan about my display of affection. I wish they could just accept them as meant- honestly and freely given with no thoughts of reciprocity. (Not that I would refuse a nice, shiny box with ribbon and all if anyone should see fit to offer:)…but it isn’t mandatory.)
Of course, if everyone’s agreed to a no-gifts policy then it’s pretty churlish to just ignore it and go ahead and buy something anyway. Send them a bag of coal.