Dear Jacquelyn,

The holiday season is upon us and I’m starting to plan my holiday gift-giving. What is the most important thing to consider this holiday to ensure gift-giving goes as smoothly as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic?

Dear Reader,

This year I expect things to look a bit differently and it’s a good idea to start planning your holiday gift-giving a little sooner.

With shipping slowing down this year and businesses closing, it’s wise to make some adjustments. It’s important to make sure your gifts end up in the hands of your loved ones for the holidays, so you’ll want to strategize your plan early.

This holiday season, prepare for the unexpected. It would be smart to check holiday shipping deadlines to ensure your gifts will arrive on time. Unfortunately, delays can still happen even if you get to the post office on time. Have a back-up plan. Consider packing some additional days into each of the deadlines to account for unexpected hiccups.

To make the gift-giving process even sweeter and more thoughtful, a gift from a local business offers a personal touch. Not to mention it’s more important than ever to support local small businesses. Many smaller stores offer virtual shopping and curbside pickup. Be sure to check your local businesses to see what safety precautions they’ve put in place.

It’s important to remember that holiday spending may need to be tighter this year, and it’s fine to refrain from buying elaborate gifts for everyone. People will absolutely understand. When budgets matter, prioritize your close relationships first. This avoids an overwhelming gift-giving list. Consider spreading cheer without investing a pile of cash and write out handwritten holiday cards, which are always a sweet sentiment.

At the end of the day, it truly is the thought that counts.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2020 Jacquelyn Youst