Sent my best friend off to see his family and arrived home to find two large bags of gifts left by him for me. I’d told him and my family months ago that this Christmastime economy means it’s a kids-only affair. Now he’s 30,000 feet in the sky somewhere outside Colorado Springs and I’m left holding the bags.

That awkward mixed feeling of appreciation and anxiety that you didn’t return the gesture happens to most of us at some point once or twice this season. It’s not a contest. And gifts are no measure of your love and care, nor theirs.

My answer is a New Year’s Eve home made prime rib dinner when he returns. So the only remaining shopping I’ve left to do is at the grocery store.

If someone says no gifts, stick to it. When they don’t, just be thankful and abide in the joy that you are loved.