My answer is always "I don't know" or "nothing really". What I should say is "I'd like a surprise". I don't want to know what I'm getting, and anyway the things on my want list at any one time are normally £100+ ie. out of the budget of presents. (If you are the sort of person who spends £100 on people's Christmas presents, unless they are your Significant Other, then you are out of my league).
The second worst question is "What does Mr H. want for Christmas?". For goodness sake I have enough trouble thinking of something to get him myself; you think I'm going to let you pinch my one idea?
The truth is, there is very rarely anything either of us wants. Or to rephrase that, there isn't anything we want that we haven't chosen ourselves, if that makes sense. When one is a teenager it's easy - just get some CDs or something. 20s - something for the house/flat. Mid-40s? I'd like someone to strip off all the anaglypta paper in the bedroom, replaster and paint it. OK?
My best friend tends to get us treats. Edible treats. Which is perfect - we get to indulge ourselves on nice stuff we wouldn't buy, and there is nothing left to clutter up the house afterwards or have to keep on display.
Sometimes I wish people would just stop the whole present thing. A couple of years ago we didn't buy any for the family and donated to a charity each instead.
As it is really only my parents who ask me, I'm sure it stems from them worrying about getting us something we don't want, and I can appreciate the sentiment.
But I still hate that question.
how about a certificate to a B&B somewhere? or certificate to your favorite restaurant, tickets to a concert?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. If it's less than £30 I have probably already bought it, if it's more than that it's too much to ask for. Gah!
ReplyDeleteI'm easy to get for as I have developed a liking for Art of books. I love looking a conceptual drawings of films, animation and games.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. It's like you are the present station, applies to birthdays as well...you as the woman of the household has all the answers...is that what they think? I love the edible treats, and actually even homemade stuff from little ones, pieces of art and yes if I could get perhaps all the rooms in my house redone...lol I love the little glimpse of tree and the presents stacked neatly! Nice touch to bring out the holiday spirit!
ReplyDeleteMy friends and I have all decided just to buy for the kids, and then go out. It makes things soooo much easier.
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