keep in touch now shows up on Christmas eve or Chirstmas day with a present for you and you don't have one for them????
2006-12-23 08:56:26 · 6 answers · asked by amazedmaize 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You thank them for it and send them a thank you note later. As said many times, a gift is something that is given freely and not something that demands a present in return.
2006-12-23 09:07:15 · answer #1 · answered by castle h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they have just dropped in totally unexpected then treating them to a dinner (in my opinion) would be an adequate reciprocal gift. You will simply be able to explain that their visit is a total suprise, it is wonderful seeing them again, if you knew they were coming you would have gotten them something. Then invite them to dinner.
If this has happened a few times in the past, then have a gift set aside for them, just in case. My family does this often as we have a very large extended family that will drop in unexpectedly at Christmas and they are truly suprised when we have a gift for them too! Usually it is one if those warm, fuzzy fleece blankets and it always is a welcome gift here in the cold northlands.
Merry Christmas! hope the visit goes well!
2006-12-23 09:12:04 · answer #2 · answered by Mark in NE Indiana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them thank you, and let it go. It was their impulse to generosity, and has nothing to do with you, except that you were the recipient. You have moved away from the relationship since you hardly keep in touch, so they should not expect a gift from you. Perhaps they'd like to be more in touch in the future, and you can do that, if you want to.
2006-12-23 09:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it is in the etiquette section and the question sounds like that you are the host, I would suggest that you treat him or her nicely so that the party or whatever is not effected by a strange mood. Afterall, it IS Christmas. It should be merry!
2006-12-23 09:08:26 · answer #4 · answered by DeeDee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wonder what their ulterior motive is. Why would they turn up unexpectedly with a present? Tell them it is a lovely unexpected surprise, but don't feel guilty at not having a present for them.
2006-12-23 09:06:46 · answer #5 · answered by Jolly Jo Jo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very unlikely scenario. People don't just show up without notice and invitation. If it does happen, take the gift and say thank you.
2006-12-23 19:24:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋