I’ve been trying to scale back my blogging to allow me time to write and accomplish some other goals. This is hard while still having a desire to keep my regular blog readers engaged in my posts. Therefore, some of my posts are becoming shorter. Some might consider this a very good thing!
As the holidays approach, I’ve been thinking about gift and entertaining etiquette.
Do you send a card to someone who sent you one? (Sometimes.)
Do you gift someone just because you want to? (Yes, of course; I have done this.)
Do you make gifts for friends? (Yes, of course, especially if I know they will be appreciated.)
After asking family for gift ideas, do you get what they want or do you get what you want them to have? (This depends, most times I try to get what they want; after all, I asked for ideas!)
If a non-family member is present for opening stockings, do you give them one? (Yes, I would, although it might just be a gift bag filled with stocking stuffer-type goodies.)
If someone brings you a bottle of wine as a gift or for hosting, do you open it immediately, during their visit, even if you are providing some already? (Traditionally, I have not done this but am now questioning whether that behavior is considered rude.)
Have you ever given or received an appliance as a gift? Is it okay with you? (This was not okay with me, but now it is! Early in our marriage, my husband gave me an appliance – I cannot remember what it was as we’ve been married for 34 years – but I spazzed out and told him I didn’t want (insert appliance type) what it was, even if we needed it. I’m sure he was hurt but he’s never given me an appliance again unless I ask for one. (And, guess what? I have asked for several appliances over the years! )
If you are invited to someone’s house, do you always take something (food/drink/a hostess gift)? As a general rule, I always try to bring something, even if it is just a hostess/host gift. However, I like to be asked to bring something and told what would be needed or appreciated for the meal or visit. If not, I’ll bring something anyway. So, when invited, I always try to ask, “what can I bring?” And, if I’m not told, I will still bring something!
These are some of the things I’ve been wondering about lately as the holidays approach. How do you handle some of these situations? I’m sure what is customary varies from family to family, place to place, region to region, and country to country! If you have time, let me know how you’d handle one or more of these “situations” during the holidays in the comments.
Today is Slice of Life Tuesday! Thanks to TwoWritingTeachers.org, we have a wonderfully supportive weekly forum to submit our writing and network with others the world over. I have participated in Slice of Life since February 2017.
The Apples in My Orchard 
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