Increasingly I'm finding I hate anything to do with gift giving and receiving. I get paralysed with indecision when choosing - have they got one already, will it have a hidden message, is it too cheap, too expensive. Even worse is being given a wrapped present and expected to open in front of the giver - oh no, they've spent so much on something I won't use, don't like, already have, or its so inappropriate, are they sending a hidden message, or why are they buying something so tacky that I know they would never have it in their own home. Do my "oohs and aahs, it's lovely" comments sound genuine? Oh I wish I could just stop it all except where small children are concerned. Then, the more handmade (to receive) and exactly matching mum's instructions (to give) - the better.