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Lansing's Advice Column

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Dear IMO,

My wife and I were discussing appropriate Christmas gifts this year. With the economic downturn and general uncertainty, we were hoping to spend less and give less to both our family and friends. Do you have any ideas as to how we should go about this? Do you think they will understand? Are we being overly cautious?

Sincerely,
PJ and CJ

Dear PJ and CJ,

This is the question that many are wrestling with this year: How to keep the spirit of Christmas without spending what precious little you may have left. One way is to simply tell your family and friends that you cannot afford to buy gifts this year. Explain to them your current concerns and let them know you still love and care for them deeply. Instead of a gift, you might have them over for a drink and hors d'oeuvres.

 

Another option is to shop the clearance, markdown, and bargain bins both in person and on-line. You'll find some really original as well as practical gifts. Sometimes the unusual can be just the right thing. Just remember to remove the price tags.

 

If neither of these ideas suits you, then you can rely on your creativity and come up with a one of a kind gift-like those crocheted hats that sit on toilet tanks and hide the extra toilet paper roll. I often wondered who dreamt up that unique holiday gift.

 

No matter what option you choose, remember that it's the thought that counts. So put a little thought into your gifts before you give them.

 

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