3 etiquette problems
Along with good times and good food, the holidays can bring a host of family dilemmas. On this page, we share three with you: On the next page, our advice. But don't stop there; share your thoughts in the comments!
Dilemma 1: Gifts to steps
"My niece, who has two boys, 7 and 9, recently moved in with a man who has three children of his own, ages 4, 6, and 10. I will be visiting them over the holidays. My husband thinks because the kids are all so young I should bring gifts- but I want my own grand-nephews to feel special. Also, I have a limited budget. My question is: Should I bring gifts for all the kids? And if so is it all right to just bring token ones for the ones I don't know very well?"
Dilemma 2: Too much Facebook information
I think my son's girlfriend has forgotten that she has me as a 'friend' on Facebook. Every year our family celebrates Christmas by attending Mass at our local church on Christmas Eve...I recently signed in to see a rude comment on her page about us going to a church that she says is all about dirty old men and such. I found this hurtful and disrespectful, and I don't want her to come along with us especially if she hates it so much. I guess my son saw her update but he hasn't said anything other than that she will be coming. What should I do?
Dilemma 3: No thank you
Every year I spend a lot of time and effort shopping for both my brothers and their wives. I never hear a word back about the gifts, no phone call, no thank-you note, nothing. Last year I finally asked in February if my older brother had received my gift and he said oh yes, not to worry - but even then he didn't thank me! I'm tired of sending gifts into the void. Should I skip the gifts this year?
Read our answers...
