Don’t Forget To Make Your List

B y Ellen Thompson

Leave just one person off the list, and that there is the beginning of the end of a joyous holiday season.

Sure most of us have that brother or sister, who each year adamantly says, “no, no, don’t worry about getting me anything this year. Really, you better not get me anything. I mean it.” But as soon as the rest of the family starts exchanging gifts it’s that one sibling, who is peering in your direction empty handed that makes you feel like there’s a fruitcake sitting in the pit of your stomach.

Then there are the less-expected mistakes that come along with making a holiday gift recipient list, like forgetting your grandparents or aunts all together. This year will be different though, with the help of our gift recipient list tips, no one, well practically no one will be left off the list and you wont feel like there’s a fruitcake weighing you down.

Firstly, look at your immediate family. For those of you with smaller ones, now aren’t you just lucky the lucky ones. Start the list with Mom and Dad, go onto your spouse or significant other, list you children, then grandparents and grandchildren, then brothers and sister. With that section of the list completed, you’ll be able to move onto the second branch of immediate family: aunts uncles, nieces nephews, cousins, various in-laws and of course, the family pet.

The second section of your gift receipt list should include those who, even though they may not be your family, you have invested your trust in and hold close. Neighbors, coworkers, hairdresser/barber, possibly mechanic, and boss would all be included on that list. Some people may even place their personal trainers, nannies, pet sitters and mistresses on this section of the list.

The last section of your list, if you choose to add it, could include those who if there services weren’t available you’d be utterly lost. Your children’s teachers, school bus driver, mailman and garbage men typically make their way into this section of the list.