Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A User's Guide To Cheer And Merriment

Today I made up my gift giving list (yes, I checked it twice) and every year it seems to grow. Yes, maybe I have more close friends that I would like to show my love to and I did gain a sister in law, but there also seems to be a plethora of unnecessary gift getters this year. You know who these people are, the unexpected gifts from coworkers, or your visiting teachers, or friends that you have lost touch with, but always seem to remember you at Christmas.

Growing up, we always had extra boxes of chocolates wrapped up under our tree in case such a person would stop by to give us a gift. Somehow, I always thought that it was cheesy. Here they come to your house with a whole plate of cookies or an elaborate spread of cheese (one of the saddest parts about moving from Brooks.) and we give you some non-personalized chocolates that we are trying to pass off as “We got this for you, we just haven’t had time to drop it off yet.”

One year I had a friend come to my door with a Christmas present for me. It was incredibly odd. We had spent most of the previous summer together and even went on a few dates, but had been living in different cities once school started again. I wasn’t sure if I was suppose to get him something in return. We were good friends, I guess it was just unexpected. I never did get him anything, and we haven’t really spoken since….no…he got married. It isn’t like that.

There is always the question of what, if anything to get your boss for Christmas. I was approached this afternoon by one of my coworkers asking if I would like to contribute money so that they could get the big boss something. And how much do I give? I don’t have that much contact with him in a day, maybe 5 minutes, on a good day. Is $5.00 not enough? Is $20.00 too much?

A couple of years ago, I was helping in a Grade Two class as a Teacher’s Assistant. The teacher and I really didn’t get along well…something about me not disciplining the kids enough and I didn’t like her because she didn’t like me. Christmas came, and I felt obligated to give the teacher something for Christmas, so I gave her a box of really crappy chocolates. “Chocolate Flavoured” chocolates. She also had gotten me a present. An elaborate Christmas ornament, that I am sure was more than the $2.00 I spent on the fake chocolates. Maybe I should have at least gotten her real chocolate.

Here’s to presents a plenty! And to cheep chocolates if you don’t really like the person. Hopefully you don’t get too many boxes of imitation chocolate yourself.

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