Are You A Giver Or A Receiver?

You’ve strategically steered your mom past all of her favorite stores hoping she drops hints about what she wants to see under the tree.

The two of you hit your usual favorites. You casually point out the things you like and make notes as your mom does the same.

You came armed with a list of things you want and you’re hoping there is enough time to show it all to your mom.

Wrapping presents with your little sister. It gives you the chance to brainstorm about what to get mom and dad and you get a little insider information about what you’ll have under the tree.

Caroling at the senior citizen’s home. You love sharing a little bit of the Christmas spirit with those who may not have family around to celebrate the holiday.

Browsing the Delia’s holiday catalog. You want to make sure you’ve circled your favorites so everyone knows what’s on your wish list.

A necklace from your boyfriend. There’s nothing like a tiny box with your name on it.

That super-soft sweater you’ve had your eye on since Halloween (that you could share with your friends, of course!).

A hand-decorated journal from your best friend. She always takes the time to personalize her gifts.

Something you know the receiver will like. Why take chances when you know what works?

Nothing that costs more than what you’d expect to get from your friends or family.

Personalize, personalize, personalize. Your friends deserve a gift that’s well thought out.

It was so nice of her to get me something.

I hope she remembered the gift receipt.

At least I’ll have something toasty to sleep in at my next ski trip.

Anticipate all the gifts you’ll receive while cleaning only your own room. At least the family will see you’re not the messy one.

Round up your brothers, sisters and friends (who practically live with you anyway), assign each person a chore and get the house in tip-top shape before your mom gets home.

Pick up your clothes and shoes and make sure your siblings do the same.

Something low key. The holidays are busy enough, so you plan a night out with friends and skip the whole gift-giving thing.

You’ve given him a list of “suggested gifts,” so you know you’ll be happy when it’s time for the big exchange.

You set a budget for gifts and decide to exchange them over dinner at your favorite hangout.

Set a spending limit for the gifts to make things easier for everyone.

Draw names so everyone only has to buy for one person, not the whole group.

Convince your friends that you should skip the gift giving for each other and ask everyone to pitch in $5 to buy a gift for a needy family.

A little disappointed, but at least you got to spend some time with both families over the holidays.

Absolutely fine. You just wanted to see his reaction when he opened your parent’s gift.

Upset and scared that maybe his parents don’t like you.

Volunteer at a children’s shelter. It helps you keep things in perspective during this time of year.

Download some Christmas tunes on your iPod and hit the mall to check out ideas to fill everyone’s stocking.

Buy yourself an early Christmas present.

Respond with a warm smile and a simple thank-you.

Let her know you were just eyeing the gift at the mall last week.

Let her know she really didn’t have to get you anything and plot a way to return the favor.