The Holidays are Here.

The Holidays are here. Christmas, Hanukkah, Festevus whatever you celebrate. With any luck you will be visiting friends and family, enjoying a get together at your bosses house, that sort of thing. Which leads to the question, or dilemma of the Hostess Gift.

You are no doubt sort of aware that when you visit someone in their home you should bring a Hostess Gift. There are only a few exceptions; one night stands do not require a hostess gift, best friends often forgo them except on special occasions, and your parents don't expect one. I think a hostess gift for a Christmas get together is mandatory. Even a one night stand, bring a pizza or something.

There are two never miss hostess gifts: wine and flowers. Always appropriate, although the wine is a little tacky at an AA meeting. If you do chose wine, not the cheap stuff. You don't have to spend a fortune, just ask the wine department manager for a well formed wine for a gift. If he says Silver Oak, thank him and unless its for me, go somewhere you can afford.

I personally like a plant better than a flower. This time of year the Poinsettia is a big hit, but remember if you are visiting someone with cats, the poinsettia is poison. That may or may not rule it out, depending on how you feel about the cat.

Even nicer than wine or flowers is a gift that actually relates to the interests or needs of the host. If you are visiting me, for example, a copy of CS3 for the Mac would be very nice. Or a 17" Mac Book Pro. Either or both. If its your best friend golf buddy, bring them a few golf balls, or the wife a nice spa certificate. Be creative.

Anyway, the point is to give it a little thought. It's a nice thing to do and will make your visit memorable for your host. It doesn't cost a lot, and being known as considerate is not a bad thing.