Almost half of us dislike our Christmas gifts

A survey from WagJag and Jaunt.ca reveals that 44 per cent of respondents received what they consider to be a terrible holiday gift and the same percentage are getting ready to re-gift the terrible gifts they're expecting. Money is preferable over a bad gift for 47 per cent of survey responders and more than 40 per cent prefer receiving nothing or just well wishes to a bad gift.

What this survey tells me is that it's time to stop buying and start giving. Like my parents, time is what I want. As a working mother of busy teens, time is my most precious commodity  and sharing that time shows my appreciation for others whether it’s baking, cooking, volunteering or hanging out, and time is definitely my favourite gift to receive.

For people struggling with huge shopping lists on a tight budget, there’s one question you need to ask. Are you buying to show your appreciation or is it an obligation?  If it’s an obligation, like buying for your extended family and your friends, then it’s time to have The Talk. Chances are, they’re ready to move the relationship to a new level too.

Stopping gift giving is hard. It seems like such a tradition, but new and better ones spring up. Presents aren’t banished from my life but they are scaled down.

My girlfriends and I used to exchange gifts. Now we meet for brunch, exchange cards, and gab non-stop for three hours. I love that.

For the siblings and our partners, we started a gift exchange a decade ago so instead of buying for six people, it’s just one. Our suggested limit is $40. This year, my sister-in-law has my name and she’s already given me a great gift. She knows I love theatre and cooking so when I recently visited London, she took me to the Grand Theatre’s production of “To Master the Art” based on Julia Child’s time in Paris. The play inspired me to borrow the two-volume set of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” and I’m in danger of gaining 10 pounds. Beyond being incredibly thoughtful, the gift also shared her time and she’s a mother of five. We made a night of it and visited without the cacophony that usually surrounds us when we talk. Lovely.

Read also: I don't want any presents this year  

Contact Peggy Mackenzie at pmackenzie@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter:@PeggyMackenzie