PASSING DOWN FAMILY HEIRLOOMS FOR CHRISTMAS IS NOT RE-GIFTING!

PASSING DOWN FAMILY HEIRLOOMS FOR CHRISTMAS IS NOT RE-GIFTING!

Dear Miss Smarty Pants,

 As Christmas approaches, I have a re-gifting question about my daughter.  I intend to give her a string of pearls from her deceased maternal grandmother. Would it be appropriate to give this as a gift at a family present opening on Christmas day, or should this be done privately and when? I don't intend for her to be pressured to wear them on Christmas day or for her upcoming wedding.

Concerned Santa-Mom

Dear Concerned Santa Mom,

First, this is not re-gifting, it is called "passing down family heirlooms" and it should be done privately, particularly if there is a story to tell her that goes with the piece. I had a ring passed down to me that was for 4 generations given to the oldest daughter on her 13th birthday and a story went with it. I told the story when I passed it on to the next generation--it's family history. If their is a story or history of the pearls, you should pass it on as one day you daughter's daughter will pass them on again.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

NO MORE TACKY PRESENTS PLEASE!!

NO MORE TACKY PRESENTS PLEASE!!

Dear Miss Smarty Pants,

My brother's wife is a tacky Christmas gift giver. First she gives us a list of gifts she EXPECTS us to buy and in return we are RE-GIFTED. It's not a matter
of resources, she's got the money to buy gifts for her in-laws. I'm sick of her attitude of entitlement.
So, should I boycott Christmas this year or refuse to
get them anything?
What is most frustrating is that if I mention the re-gifting I look like the small one. I feel like I'm being taken advantage
Thank you in advance,
Advantaged Out

Dear Advantaged Out,
When your sister-in-law hands you her list, smile and hand it back to her and tell her that you aren't buying Christmas gifts this year and that she shouldn't get you anything either. Tell her that you are only interested in spending time with the people you love and that you just don't want to do the material thing any more. The stunned look on her face should be very satisfying, don't you think? However, you MUST stick to this if you decide to do it and not give in to people who give you something--you just smile and tell them that you don't need it and that they should return it for a refund because you didn't do any Christmas shopping and don't plan to do any ever again.

Merry Christmas to all!