Christmas Gifts for Friends
Q: This Christmas we’ve cut back substantially and are trying to make do. In the past, I’ve given my girlfriends little gifts, nothing extravagant — but this year I just can’t do it. I feel awful because I really value their friendship and would love to give them something. How should I handle this, because I know that they are probably getting me a gift.
A: Don’t be blue! How do you know your friends aren’t having the very same conversation with themselves? Times are rough for many people. If ever there was a year where you had a conversation-opener this is the year. You could say, “We’re really feeling the squeeze this year, how about we don’t exchange gifts, but get together for a potluck lunch?”
It is getting late, and your friends may have already felt pressured and bought you something. If that is the case, why not bake cookies, or make a “coupon” book good for favors your friends can depend on you for — like carpooling the kids an extra week, babysitting, teaching them how to do something that you are good at (sewing, baking, crafting, gardening, etc.). If you are artistic, sketch, paint or draw something for them. Good with a camera? Offer to take a family portrait for them and then supply them the file to make as many copies as they wish. Like to write? Write a poem, or just write them a heart felt letter telling them why you are glad to have them as a friend. Think about it this way, how would you feel if one of your friends were in your position and gave you one of these gifts instead of the store-bought kind? You probably wouldn’t mind at all; in fact, you might be moved.
