I mentioned in another thread that I work in the opposite frame as some other posters in this thread. For friends and family that do celebrate Christmas, I'll buy them gifts. But I have requested... or more like demanded.... that if friends or family were thinking to buy me a present that they PLEASE give a cash donation to the food bank (they desperately need cash for vehicles, vehicle maintenance and to buy things that they are usually low on like diapers and baby formula).
I remember my dad used to tease us when we were kids: "There are lots of children out there that get nothing for Christmas and you guys have toys and games and electronics. How about this year we not buy presents and give the money to the poor?" He'd play this "no gifts this year" game until we cried. Now I look back and feel guilty that I was that greedy. I wish some year I had called his bluff and said "That's a great idea Dad."
Anyhow, the trickiest one to buy for is my mother. Since my parents split, my brother and I have given her a Christmas sock of goodies. However, as a diabetic that is trying to lose weight, candies and sweets are out. We used to buy film and batteries for her camera, but we screwed the pooch on that one last year getting her a digital camera with rechargables. So this year we ended up filling her sock with more stuff for her dog than for her.
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