Note from a friend

Got a note from a friend announcing how we shall not exchange presents this year and just send cards. I guess she got one of my "I'm not buyng anyone presents cuz I'm broke" emails. If the postage didn't cost more than what was inside I might consider getting a little something for my friends. I made 3 xmas wreaths for a charity. My message was targeted more at my family than friends.

My sister had loud complaint session yesterday with us how she never gets what she asks for and instead she gets crap that some fool thought was cute. You know, our parents taught us children to say Thank You to all gifts and leave it there. Anything we didn't like could be donated to the garage sale or charity later if we had no receipt to exchange it. Nobody remembers gifts received or given, generally speaking.

I have never been rich as a king and have tried to get things on people's list (that were under $50). But I do give poor people and cheap gifts. One year I bought xmas ball ornaments for everybody and painted the family's names on them to hear complaints how they have too many ornaments already. Another year I gave xmas cookies with trail mix and covered pretzels to hear complaints how I gave them junk food. I have given money and gift cards to mild thank yous. Who do these people think I am, Santa Claus?

If I believed my family would be grateful with a thought that counts candy cane or xmas light up pen, I might be giving gifts this year. But all I hear is complaints so I will not go the extra mile to give presents people despise. Not because I'm stingy, but cuz I just can't afford their expectations. Granted I get useless and ugly gifts, but I keep it to myself. This year I will be happy getting anything cuz I can't give back much.