Do you say thank you for the ugly Christmas jumper?

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Eva888

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#2938573 5-Jul-2022 16:43

Isn’t appropriate? Can't help imagining a red ribboned wrapped framed photo of the gifter in improper attire presented by the office receptionist :)

Bit different to an ugly jumper situation, so you might need to elaborate a little for some more specific ideas. If it’s an unwanted gift because of a romantic interest that is not reciprocated, I agree some tact and swift action would be required to let the person down gently, and naturally you would want the gifting to cease.

roobarb

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#2938600 5-Jul-2022 17:49

Rikkitic:

A little late in the year to be thanking for Christmas gifts, isn't it?

Or early to be receiving?

openmedia

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#2938605 5-Jul-2022 18:04

Eva888: Isn’t appropriate? Can't help imagining a red ribboned wrapped framed photo of the gifter in improper attire presented by the office receptionist :)

Bit different to an ugly jumper situation, so you might need to elaborate a little for some more specific ideas. If it’s an unwanted gift because of a romantic interest that is not reciprocated, I agree some tact and swift action would be required to let the person down gently, and naturally you would want the gifting to cease.

The Ugly Christmas jumper is just an example.

It could be a book you'd never read.

Alcohol when you don't drink.

Tickets to a show you'll never use.

One of my pet peeves is when someone else completes a task I've been looking forward to. I don't do crosswords, but I know people who hate it if you try to help them finish a crossword.

Do you speak out so X doesn't happen again, or do you smile and say thank you and suffer another ugly jumper, unreadable book, bad bottle of wine etc again next year?

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

Eva888

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#2938712 6-Jul-2022 09:51

I think we all get burdened with gifts we wouldn’t normally choose ourselves and the voice inside screams 'Oh no.'

I have three such books authored by friends, so add guilt to not reading them and praying I won’t be asked to comment on a particular character. I can’t gift them as signed, so they sit on the bookshelf.

Wine is easy...you can gift it to someone else but keep a note who gave it in the first place.

Tickets...got given some and literally forced ourselves reluctantly to go. Once there actually enjoyed it.

Crosswords or games...I would make it clear that it’s the thing I do in a day for mental agility as a health thing, so they feel as if they are robbing you of health.

Because over the years have collected more than what we need even in another life time. I’ve told all friends that I am decluttering and would appreciate no more gifts and not to expect any, with the exception of children, as shopping is no longer an easy pleasure and most people are in a similar situation of too much unneeded stuff.

I’ve asked that for Christmas they make a donation to a charity that involves children in lieu of a gift I don’t need and make my day by telling me. Most were really happy to oblige, and have often just brought some home made sweets etc which are most welcome. I do the same and so it’s win win.

I still can’t get the kids to stop buying gifts. Have resigned myself to smiling and thanking as they just don’t stop. Think hair appliances...I could start a small salon, or dress shirts for their dad who hardly ever wears one except for funerals...filled a second wardrobe.

Good luck openmedia. Don’t forget you can always donate things to the City Mission. More important is not to hurt people’s feelings, because that’s what they will always remember...not what you say, but how you made them feel.

floydbloke

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#2938714 6-Jul-2022 09:57

openmedia:

Eva888: Isn’t appropriate? ...

The Ugly Christmas jumper is just an example.

It could be ...

Alcohol when you don't drink.

...

I can help with that.😀

Sometimes I use big words I don't always fully understand in an effort to make myself sound more photosynthesis.

johno1234

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#2938745 6-Jul-2022 10:47

Just say thanks and transfer the item to the "re-gifting cupboard".

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allan

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#2938769 6-Jul-2022 11:58

richms:

I just wish people would stop buying me crap. If I want something I will usually go and buy it myself. If its not on a wishlist I have, then it something I probably dont want.

In terms of Christmas gifts, fixed in our family by a Secret Santa arrangement with a fixed upper value limit, where the potential recipient gives the SS coordinator a list of three potential items they would like to receive and the coordinator matches up giver and recipient. So unless the giver goes completely off track, at least it's a piece of crap you want.

MikeB4

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#2938780 6-Jul-2022 12:43

As a family we no longer give gifts as such for Christmas. We give hampers of specialist foods and drinks etc. For the mokopuna we know what they like and take guidance from their parents.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Paul1977

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#2938784 6-Jul-2022 12:52

If I want something I buy it myself, unless it's too expensive. If it's too expensive then I will never receive it as a gift.

Does that make every gift unwanted?

EDIT: So you just smile and say thank you.

johno1234

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#2938792 6-Jul-2022 13:01

Paul1977:

If I want something I buy it myself, unless it's too expensive. If it's too expensive then I will never receive it as a gift.

Does that make every gift unwanted?

EDIT: So you just smile and say thank you.

Heh, yeah. My wife has pretty much banned me from buying surprise presents and wants to select personally to avoid mishits. Needless to say I also get implied criticism for not showing initiative. Sometimes you can't win.

Tinkerisk

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#2938814 6-Jul-2022 13:48

Family and friends know that my wife has a wish list of things from 1-100€ from me and they can be dead sure that I will be happy and use gifts from this list in any case, no matter what they cost.

Yes, I say thank you for every gift, especially if it's an ugly pack of 6mm wooden dowels for 1€ and it's on the list, but I've still always had to buy myself for years. :-)

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