We have given Christmas gifts to eight of our son’s friends since middle school. I recently retired and do not make the kind of money I used to. I want to tactfully tell them that I love them all dearly but need to stop gifting. They do not gift us, nor do I ever see them open their gifts. So, I really don’t get the joy out of it anymore. Can you help? —Gift Giver
Dear Giver: You’re basically already there with what you’ve written to me. A card or note that tells them you love them all dearly but that your circumstances are changing and so you need to end the tradition should suffice. You can even say less if you’d like and just send them a card that announces, “we’re switching to cards for Christmas. Still love you lots!”
Real Life of an MSW 
Sound advice. Sometimes it is difficult to stop something which may well have gone on too long
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Wel said, may her children’s friends’ fully embrace the new tradition of a holiday card. ❤ —Thanks for taking the time to read, and comment.
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Another reason why this so called season is straight foolishness! No one in the world I’m being bound by a gift!
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I think people forget we have the right to set and change traditions. In my family we tend to focus on an annual Christmas ornament. Each giver sets their own rules, budget, store bought, handmade, material, size and color. It’s all about creating community, beauty and memories.
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Sometimes Christmas can be more a duty than a pleasure. I Christmas card, maybe painted by ourself, is probably a lovely and beautiful gift
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Yes, it can be, but I believe we have the right to set and change the tradition. I love your idea of creating cards as it brings creative joy to you and hopefully a smile and a beautiful memory to the recipients. ❤️ —Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
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