economics of Christmas

The Economics of Christmas
by Cyn

Question: If Jane, a single woman is invited to Marcy and Bill's home, and Marcy and Bill have two children, then how much should Jane spend on their Christmas gifts and what kind of present will she get in return?

Answer: Jane will never want to go to Marcy and Bill's home again.

Fact: A single person never breaks even during the Christmas holiday.

My Christmas 2001 preparations began with me writing out my gift list. I endeavored to narrow it down and stay within my budget. I am a single person with a disposable income. Usually, I spend a little extra just to show I care. However I noticed a pattern.

Question: If Wanda bought me a fifty-dollar sweater, what would she get in return?
Answer: She will get a basket of beauty products worth the same amount.
Fact: Single person giving to another single person will be reciprocated in kind.

Question: What happens when a single person buys a gift for a married couple with no kids?
Answer: It depends on whether you give a couple's gift such as a basket or individual gifts. Perhaps you are only closer to one half of the couple, and feel only the need to exchange with that person. That still works out to be economically sound.

Question: $20 toy for one child plus $20 toy for other child plus $25 restaurant gift certificate for couple equals?
Answer: I spent $65.00 and in return got a sweatshirt, which cost $9.95. I could say it was a lovely shirt, but it wasn't and I returned it. These were my blood relatives.
Fact: Yes, the holidays are for children but at a great expense to the single person.

I know Christmas is not set up to be a profit-making scheme (except for the retailers). I was just looking to break even. It's shallow, and not very in the season of giving, but it is realistic.

Question: What about gift giving to the 'children of my friends.'?
Answer: Do not be fooled by the honorary aunt and uncle title. The first time you want to borrow the kids so you can legitimately see a Disney movie they will say no.
Fact: Delete sneaky non related children from list.

Question: Are single people the only ones affected by the gift disparity?
Answer: A married couple without children was reporting the same problem with friends who are married with one child and one on the way.
Fact: "It's just never going to be right."

Question: Can I make up the difference on a birthday or other occasion?
Answer: The only problem is children are involved.
Fact: You have to be fair to the kids.

There seems to be no true way to stop the spending cycle. Unless you are lucky to have a good friend who notices the incongruity. Denise pointed out the discrepancies between the gift I gave her son and herself and the gift I got in return. She asked me to stop. "You spend way too much on Robi, and then give me a gift. I don't give you that in return. Next year, just buy for my son." I plan to take her advice. I can only hope more people do the same.

I guess part of me believes if I do not overspend on people then karmatically no one will occasionally be generous with me. It is a vicious cycle, which my accountant urges me to cease.

In addition I guess if I do not overspend on people then karmatically no one will occasionally be generous with me. It is a vicious cycle, which in my own way I am going to stop.