Don't ask why, but I really just don't feel like going through the whole hassle of shopping and buying gifts or even receiving gifts this year. I wish I could tell everyone I know just to not bother this year, but would they all get offended?
2006-11-19 13:55:48 · 6 answers · asked by s_e_e 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Personally, I don't buy for all of my family/friends.Most of the family still give gifts to me as they please, for which I am very, very thankful for and I let them know this. But, I've made it clear a long time ago that I am NOT going to feel obligated to purchase/give gifts - it defeats the purpose of gift giving!!!
Just mention politely before the holiday that you won't be giving this year, and "please do not feel obligated to give to me", something like that.
If they get snippy that is their issue! You can't be blamed that people have come to be selfish. Some people would rather get something from you knowing you didn't care, than to wait for a heart-felt present. That's their problem!
2006-11-20 13:07:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've felt the same way once or twice, and it was very dfficult for me. I ended up being as honest as possible without offending anyone and saying, I really appreciate that you want to do this for me, but, I am just not in the spirit this year. The best gift you could give me is, get an angel from the angel tree and give them your gift. Well, I got ridiculed, and bah-humbugged, but, after the holidays were all over, I threw a bash and invited everyone who complied...I called it a Nobahhumbug Party. LOL It isn't easy, but you are entitled to give or not, receive or not. Oh, and one more thing, if someone does insist on giving you a gift, say thank you. It won't hurt you any, and they'll feel good about themselves. You can always take it to a shelter, or a church and leave it there.
2006-11-19 14:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by aidan402 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people get offended because they genuinely like to shop for gifts (and receive them), others might not actually be offended but would feel they need to get you something because it's tradition or they feel uncomfortable not giving a gift.
I'd say let others give you gifts if they really insist on it, but make sure they know you aren't giving gifts yourself. I think it would be a nice gesture to at least give simple 'happy holidays' cards to your family and friends. Even if you don't feel like giving or receiving actual gifts, it's nice to give them something small like a card to say thanks. After all, they're going through the hassle to get gifts for everyone else (and probably you, even if you ask them not to) so it's only fair. :)
2006-11-19 14:07:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should say anything but, if you don't want to get a gift, I think that's okay too. I don't celebrate Christmas, but a lot of my friends do and they say it's more about being with your family than getting presents. If your family and friends do gift exchange and you HAVE to give a gift, them just give cash or gift certificates. Otherwise, even if you take a box of chocolates, I think that's okay too. It's not too expensive and they're easy to find.
2006-11-21 02:55:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Christmas has become to material. It seems to be all about "getting" not "giving". Also, now there are those who want to take "Christ" out of everything. Christmas is supposed to be a time to honor God. Just look where we have gotten ourselves.
2006-11-19 14:05:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about how they feel, just tell them what you feel.
2006-11-19 21:34:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋