The Friday Five This Week Is Dumb, So Just An Update

[jmfargo]

I'm visiting my parent's home this weekend in order to celebrate Christmas with the family. Maria picked out a nice present for my parents, and I'm pretty sure they'll like it this year. They're always hard to buy for, but this year my dad actually just said they wanted some nice towels because the old ones (which I'm pretty sure are as old as I am) are actually fraying in half and that he's "never owned a matching set of towels." Pretty strong recommendation on what to buy for them, I think.

Now I have to figure out if I'm buying anything for my siblings. Is it anti-holiday spirit to say that they haven't gotten me anything in the past 10 years so why should I bother getting them things? My parents took me aside when I started a job and said "Now that you have money, don't you think it's time you started getting things for your brothers and sisters on Christmas?" I kind of resent that they obviously haven't had the same talk with my siblings beyond "It'd be nice to get your brother Jeremiah a birthday card."

But really, I know that's "not what the holiday is about," and I've been told that kind of attitude is much to mercenary for the season. What's a good middle ground, I wonder? A card and some scratchy tickets? It's what I did for their birthdays this year for the same reason of "Why should I bother when I have for ten years and you guys do absolutely nothing for me on my birthday except, if I'm really lucky, a card that you randomly (trust me, it's obvious) chose from the rack. My favorite was the "Hey There Girl, Here's A Hot Stud for Your Birthday" card from a few years ago.

I know, though, that I'm going to regret it if I don't get them anything, even if they don't notice. If I don't get them anything, I lose the moral high-ground next year, and I wouldn't want that!

So what should I do? Get my siblings something cheap but useful like movie tickets from a local place? Scratchy tickets in a card? Absolutely nothing this year in hopes that they'll "get it?" They won't, but hopes are good.

Help me out here? I'm stumped.

((EDIT: I really could use some help on this. I need to know by tomorrow. Please, this really is quite a quandry for me and any opinions are better than none.))

Comments

Some Ideas

[akdidge.livejournal.com]

Go with the gift card. Only put $6.66 (or should I go with the more 'scientific/historical number' associated with the mark of the beast of, "696"?) on it for each of them. This counts as a, "I got you something" gift, keeps your dignity of moral high-ground of, "well I did get them something," and is low enough in value that if they use it they might just raise their eyebrow and get their attention.

Or draw them a card using crayons. Make it very badly, crude, and obviously wishing them a merry easter (or some other holiday, such as Labor Day). If they ask, just tell them flat out, "well seeing as you put so much effort into your gifts over the years I thought I'd join the club. Obviously you've learned something I haven't and I want to join the bandwagon."

Or get them something they really wanted, but slightly twisted so as they can't use it. For example, if one of them wants a particular CD of a band, see if you can find it in vinyl. If the band isn't that old, go with the 'type' of music and get something 'similar' on vinyl. Or you could go really old school and get them eight-tracks.

[periannth.livejournal.com]

I agree with the cookies or $5 gift card route. It shows you made some effort, but doesn't break the bank or require a whole lot of effort that would be wasted because they won't put in any effort. And if they complain, you can always tell them that it's the thought that counts.

[(Anonymous)]

dosnt "wanting" the moral high ground loose it by defult? after all wants are selfish and, though far from evil, not exactly kind hearted.
-quandry of a carrot