Oh you shouldn’t have! There’s the good, the bad, and the just plain wrong when it comes to festive gift giving. Take heed of these timely tips to ensure no feelings are hurt when Santa Claus comes a’ knocking.

AIM LOW 

Greedily ripping open the wrapping paper, expecting to find an original Andy Warhol, will just set you up for blatant disappointment. In the days leading up to the yuletide season, keep expectations low and cheat your brain into thinking that a grim garden gnome from Mitre 10’s bargain bin is standard fare. Can Aunty Susie give good gifts? Of course she can’t. 

REACT WITH HASTE

The first 30 seconds after the big reveal are crucial. You would have appreciated a sweet-smelling candle instead of the floral-shrouded wall calendar, but hey, what goes around comes around, right? Now is the time to smile, nod eagerly (or laugh depending on the giftee’s intention) and say thanks — a lot. 

LIE

Moral compass aside, one should absolutely tell white lies in the face of a bad gift. Lie to your grandparents, lie to the next-door neighbour and lie to the mother-in-law who generously gifted a shower cap. If your face tends to read like an emoji smorgasbord, focus your gaze on the gift and find something to say, such as wow, this will come in so handy!