Unwanted Christmas Presents

We all have this problem. Christmas day arrives and the opening present ceremony takes place. However, there's always that disappointment of receiving a present which you either don't like, want or need. It is usually made more awkward by the family member or friend watching you whilst you unwrap the gift which they obviously spent hours searching for. How do you respond?! "Thank you, that just what I wanted!": but that's lying. "Sorry but I don't feel the need to have a large multicoloured spotty jumper which blatantly doesn't fit me and I would never be seen dead in"; okay, so maybe that's a little harsh, but that's what goes on in your head, isn't it? It kills you inside to say it, but you are urged out of common courtesy to say thank you.

It is estimated that around £2.4 billion of Christmas presents are unwanted. It seems to be ridiculous that we waste so much money giving christmas presents to ungrateful people! The next problem you face is then to either cope with or dispose of the present in some way, shape or form.

1. You could just cope with the fact that this present isn't your kinda thing, but put up with it and be humiliated for wearing such terrible jumpers by your other friends. You may even go to the extent of wearing or showing use of the present infront of the person who bought it you in order to show that their work has paid off (although it really hasn't).

2. Attempt to take it back to the shop. If a receipt is provided with the present (this will only happen if the person who bought it is clever enough to realise that the present is not suitable for everyone), I would highly recommend taking the item back to the place of purchase, and hey, why not replace it with something more tasteful why you're there? However, if there is no receipt, this option is almost impossible, as most shops would believe you have stolen the item rather than being bought it out of no fault of your own. However, if the shop assistants are friendly enough, you may be able to exchange for something a little nicer!

3. You could try and dispose of it by giving it to another family member or friend. At least it will be put to use and there is no hassle in trying to get rid of it any other way.

4. Put it in what we call "The present box". I expect most families have one of these. A container or area full of unwanted presents to wrap up again and give to others for christmas or birthday - this is especially common in toiletries, because nobody REALLY wants them do they? It saves you having to buy a present for the person and from then on, it is their problem to get rid of it if its not their taste either!

5. EBay it! if you have an account and are familiar with the system, then eBay is the solution for you. Many people are willing to buy things, even if they are, in your opinion, the most tragic things you've seen. Beginners, never fear, the world is your oyster and who says you can't have a go? But beware; once you start eBaying, you never stop, so don't get too carried away.

6.  Give to a charity shop. Think about all those who didn't have such a wonderful christmas as you did; the least you could do is give the presents you weren't grateful enough to embrace to somebody who is kind enough to buy from a charity shop. it is charitable and good for the environment so new goods don't have to be produced for every single person!

7. Throw away. It is quick and easy, but also wasteful and it needs to be hidden in the bin if the present is from a family member who may see it! Something which I wouldn't highly recommend, but this option is always available as a last resort. 

Good luck and I hope some presents were more your taste! 

Alos, there is a poll related to this post and I would be grateful if you could take a vote. Thanks!(:

Christmas

It is me or has Christmas all gone a little over the top?

I mean, since when did the phrase "the sale starts boxing day" appear in the bible?

So, if in doubt, what most people do is 'Google it', so when typing in "Christmas" to Google Images, up appeared pictures mainly consisting of Christmas trees, presents and houses overloaded with flashing lights. To look for a more intelligent outcome, I then decided to 'Wikipedia it'. "Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ". No, it does not mention the fact that Christmas is celebrated because we have lots of presents, get to eat a chocolate every day on the run up to it or walk through the chaos of Primark once the sale has started and grab everything for under a pound. 


Wikipedia also mentions that in America, the phrase "Merry Christmas" is often replaced with "Happy Holidays" when handing out cards or christmas presents - clearly missing the point! The real reason we have Christmas is because of Jesus. 

Yes, you've probably heard it repeatedly every year about how the Virgin Mary gave Birth to the Baby Jesus and lay him in a manger, but have you ever thought about it further? Many people who celebrate Christmas are non-Christians, and the real meaning of Christmas is usually irrelevant. Now there's nothing wrong with this, but it just proves my point that Christmas is no longer a religious occasion for most people.

However, when Christmas is talked about constantly on the lead up to it and way after it has happened, that is what most irritates me. I mean, do we really want to hear about that fact that it is Christmas in 364 days straight after we've just recovered for this years Christmas dinner? The lead up to it is also made a whole lot worse by the fact that it is mentioned on the radio every day of advent, the build up is just made more tedious!

After ranting about Christmas, I just to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Also, I have created a poll in relation to this post which I would be grateful if you could answer, thanks!(: