Dear G,

I recently got promoted. So far, things are going well. With Christmas coming up, I would like to know if I have to give gifts to everyone. My budget won’t stretch that far. Help!

Cindy

Dear Cindy,

Gift-giving is simple. You give to whoever you want but be fair to everyone if you give gifts. Gifts normally flow downwards, meaning you’d be expected to give gifts to your staff but not to your boss. It doesn’t mean you can’t but it is not necessary. It always helps if there’s an exchange gift or Secret Santa. You only have to give one gift then.

Dear Cindy,

It’s your call. In the first place, gifts are not supposed to be obligatory. If you wanted to you could even not give gifts at all. Or … your gift could be something you make yourself, not bought. In general, people who love you will not really care if you give them gifts or not. They would appreciate receiving one, but would not be put out if they don’t, especially if they know your circumstances.

Santa’s helper,

G

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