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M$1 December 21, 2008 08:31 PM

Is it acceptable to give Christmas gifts after December 25th?

Do you spend extra for rush shipping to have the gift under the tree by Christmas morning?
Does your family feel like you have let them down if you deliver your presents late?
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December 21, 2008 08:45 PM
Taking advantage of after-Christmas sales is a great way to save money, especially in the current economy. If your family is pragmatic enough to wait an extra day or two, it can be really worthwhile.

To keep the specialness of the day, however, it might be wise to give at least one present on Christmas itself, maybe something homemade, or a card. Or you could give a photo or printout of the gift you intend to buy once the prices have gone down. Smart family members will appreciate you stretching your holiday dollars, since it means more for them, too!
Asker's Rating:
• Great advice!


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December 27, 2008 03:33 AM
I guess some of my friends are going to receive belated gifts.

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December 21, 2008 08:33 PM
A gift is a gift. Give it on 25th or give it on 1st, as long as you give it with good feelings, it'd always be appreciated. Personally, I think it'd be great to receive a gift after 25th, would be like reliving Christmas again!

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December 21, 2008 08:36 PM
the 26th is boxing day, that's the day your supposed to open your gifts right? So it isn't wrong to give the gift after the 25th.

You could even make it a New Years gift.

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December 21, 2008 08:36 PM
I feel that having presents in time for Christmas is a top priority. If I'm going to order anything online then I'll make sure there's going to be enough time for it to be delivered. I couldn't imagine giving someone a Christmas present after the 25th, one of the great attractions of Christmas morning is being with the whole family and opening your presents together. I'd never pay over the odds for express shipment of anything, though - it'd be much cheaper to go to an actual store and buy it (although my life isn't at risk from Christmas shopping when I'm at home!)
Source(s):
personal experience and moral views


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December 21, 2008 08:37 PM
Ideally the gift should be there by Christmas day, but I don't see anything wrong with being a little late...better late than never, eh?
Source(s):
my common sense


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December 21, 2008 08:41 PM
i did this one year, i wasnt sure if i should give my boss a gift since i had just started the month before, he gave me one, so i gave him a "new Years" gift of champagne and champagne glasses

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December 21, 2008 08:44 PM
Take the opportunity to call them on Christmas and let them know it will be late, and force yourself to talk for at least 30 minutes.

You'll find that the phone call ends up meaning more than the gift ever did.

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December 21, 2008 08:47 PM
I give most of my gifts in January with meaningful dinners for each recipient. I am Jewish though, so I don't always like giving Christmas gifts. My rule of thumb is "If the recipient goes to church more than twice a month, ask if they would like the gift before the 25th." Most everyone, even children and churchgoers, like my delayed schedule because it's much less stressful and far more meaningful.

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December 21, 2008 08:50 PM
If I ever can't get a gift in time for Christmas, I just get a picture from the internet of what I'm getting the person, and attach it to a note telling them that it's coming soon and give that to them on Christmas. This way they know what they are getting, and know that you did think about what to give them.

For extra fun, make the note a funny poem ;)

When the gift does arrive, I wrap it up nice and give it to them just like I would on Christmas.

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December 21, 2008 08:52 PM
I think as long as you get it in before New Year's, you'll be okay. Think of that as a grace period, but really, I would strive to be on time. Guess that's the student in me :-)

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December 21, 2008 08:52 PM
Yes, it is acceptable because it's the thought that counts. Depending on who the recipient is, you could print out a picture of the item and wrap it in a large box with something heavy like rocks or canned food to make it difficult to guess what's inside. Give it to them on the 25th if you want them to have something to open.

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December 21, 2008 08:53 PM
Of course! A gift is a gift--there are no "rules". We celebrate with different pockets of friends and family over the holiday season--some get gifts before, so after. My son won't be getting his visit from Santa this year until January 4, as he's visiting his girlfriend for the holiday itself.

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December 21, 2008 08:59 PM
G'day McAllister,

Thank you for your question.

If you are seeing them just after Christmas, that is fine.

I will be giving my fathers partner her present after Christmas when I first see her.

Regards

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December 21, 2008 09:00 PM
My family is pretty laid-back, so none of us would be upset about receiving a Christmas gift a little late. I think we all aim to have them there by Christmas morning, but if it doesn't work...it's not a big deal. I've even had a relative give me my Christmas gift from the past year with my birthday gift (my birthday is in June!).

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December 21, 2008 09:27 PM
Most certainly, for two reasons:

1. There are 12 days of Christmas, right? (and I have always wanted to know why we don't open presents on all of them!)

and

2. For Eastern Orthodox and Russian Orthodox, Christmas usually falls in January!

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December 21, 2008 09:34 PM
It's because of this question that I don't believe in Christmas. This question asks for an opinion, so here's mine.

Gifts are a sign of appreciation or a show of affection. You should not feel pressured to give a gift because of a specific day of the year. That being said, gifts should be given whenever you feel is appropriate. Paying an additional shipping charge adds value (not literal, and from the giver's prospective) to the gift. If you believe in the emotional or religious significance of the day, then maybe it's important to give the gift on that day. If you believe the value and appreciation of the gift is or should be the same no matter when it's given, then any time is a good time for a the gift to be given.

That's just my opinion, and I'm not 100% sure that it makes since. Please let me know if I need to rephrase any of my points so that my opinion makes more since.

Thank you,

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December 21, 2008 09:38 PM
I think most people completely understand if you give a xmas gift after the official day.

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December 21, 2008 10:49 PM
Why wouldn't it be? Birthday presents are given after birthdays, sometimes even before.

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December 21, 2008 10:54 PM
I was so broke last year that I gave my brothers and mother their present in April. So I certainly hope so!!

Now, kids should get their presents on Christmas, because even two days later feels so unfair and not as nice to them. Also, your girlfriend or wife should get her present, or at least know what it is, by Christmas. Anyone who will get presents at the same place as your kids or wife should get their presents on the same day as well.

Everyone else? They can wait. I think it's socially acceptable.

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