'Tis the season to re-gift

All of the packages under the Christmas tree have been opened and torn paper and empty boxes are strewn across the house. Gifts are being stored, and eaten, and spent, and whatever else can be done with a gift. Re-gifting the 2010 presents hasn't happened yet. Or at least it shouldn't have.

I have no problem with re-gifting. I've done it myself, and been the recipient. It makes perfect sense and is a wise use of resources. Much better than that old time tradition of putting on the ugly sweater that never sees the light of day just because the giver is coming over, or digging through the closet for that picture frame, decorative plate, or other gewgaw for fear of hearing, "Where's that terra cotta shoe tree I gave you last year?" I am a firm believer that once you give a gift it is up to the receiver to do what he wants with it. Use it, give it, toss it, or store it. Or whatever else you can do with a gift.

But you shouldn't lean over during the festive gift exchange and ask, "Would you like this?" of the person sitting next to you. Even if you are sure she'll say yes. For goodness sake, get home, then decide what to do with it. At least act appreciative. Yes, we all know you are the pickiest person in the family, and you have all sorts of rules for what kinds of gifts you want your children to receive, and as soon as you opened the gift we knew you were displeased. We didn't even have to see it in your eyes, because we have become used to the fact that pretty much nothing pleases you.

At least take the thing home and do whatever you want with it later. Or tell everyone to stop bringing you gifts because you celebrate Festivus and don't believe in spending money you don't have on things that people don't need. Make it a gift-less Christmas, I'm even okay with that. A final suggestion is to stay home. If all that sounds harsh, then learn how to properly re-gift. Thank the giver with an open and honest smile, even while you are secretly figuring out how to get rid of it. I promise if it was from me I will never, ever, ever come to your house and ask where it is.

Because I know. I hope you found a good home for it. If you threw it away, that's fine too (although it kind of defeats your other goal of reducing the crap that goes in your local landfill).

You have to learn how to re-gift properly, because it still offends some people (especially old people). There are right and wrong ways to go about it.