I have to admit l've been regifting presents for a couple of years now.
A few Christmases ago my friends and l 'agreed' we wouldn't do Christmas presents, only birthday presents. And that in lieu of a gift, we'd give a donation to a small/favourite local good cause of the donor's choice. No more than £10, and only if we could afford it.
However, the past two years (and now) two of my very good friends have started sending me presents again (we're not local to each other at all). I did ask them again last year (after being caught on the back foot, and having nothing, nor being able to reciprocate), please could we just do birthdays.
Yeah, sure. But yet again, presents arrived.
Some were lovely, very personal, one has given me a tree 'planted for me and my late OH in his memory' which is so nice.
But l've also received jewellery which was obviously not cheap, but which isn't my kind of thing at all. I'd never wear it. That'll get regifted this year.
And a parcel from another friend containing a big throw (I already have eight!), gloves and socks (fine) a scented candle (l have asthma, they make me wheeze for hours), and two lots of orange chocolate, which l don't like. Besides anything else, it must have cost a fortune to post.
I'm in my 60s. I appreciate the kindness and thought, but l don't need any of this stuff. I'm planning to downsize in a couple of years when l retire, and l'm trying to get rid of things, not get more.
I have a present drawer. I regifted some very nice things things which had sat i there for a good while earlier this year from that, and the recipient was delighted.
Another friend (again, not local) sends me things. They're lovely, but she's a heavy smoker, and everything reeks. I've no idea what to do with those.
And it's postage. It's not cheap. I don't want or need any more 'stuff'.) so l'm going to have to be really firm next year, in good time, and say please, NO MORE.
I'd rather they gave a fiver to a good cause, to someone who really needs it. Give the £20 (which the presents easily cost, plus the postage, say another £10), or even half of it, to a small local charity. Or a homeless shelter.
Apologies if l sound ungrateful, l'm really not. But l'd rather the money they've spent bought some poor soul a hot meal and a warm bed, or some toys for someone's child who otherwise wouldn't have anything on Christmas Day.