Exactly 18 days before Christmas and the pressure is on. The endless prize giving and the many wish lists for Christmas.

Then there are the funerals and the usual fa’alavelave that take a big bite out of the budget too. Malo lava le galulue! I just got back from Auckland after seeing family that we haven’t seen since last year, COVID traveling. Thankful that we got to hug our families and friends.

Even with open borders, still thankful for traveling mercies and free time. Last Christmas I remember my sister hosting a pre-Christmas Day for all our nieces and nephews. They came with excitement. The gifts were beautifully wrapped and thoughtfully presented and one by one, they all opened their gifts. The two older nieces were enjoying the presents but didn’t say anything.

At the end of it, my sister reminded her children that manners were important as we did not hear a ’thank you’ from either of them. Being the older cousins, they should be setting examples for all the other nieces and nephews. Gratitude goes a long way.

Remember manners are important and there are ways to politely decline or send out an unwanted gift. Regardless of how much the gift is or the reward is, always say “thank you” and “please”. It’s the fabric of our culture. Respect. Even if you do not like the gift, gratitude first and then action later. Once a gift is given to you, you can do what you want with it after.

Check Marketplace. There are thousands of ‘selling unwanted gift’ being advertised daily on there. Do not show your unhappy face when you receive something that is of no use to you. Sell it, exchange it or get a refund.

It’s not that hard. If you already have enough pots and pans, hand mixers, spatulas and clothing, we all have neighbours and friends who may need these items. A thoughtful giver who is unsure of what the receiver wants will include the receipt. I don’t know why this is frowned upon sometimes.

If your gift is an iPhone 14, then don’t worry about it. For those of you who are receiving another unwanted mixer, this means that you can exchange, get a refund or re-gift it. The true value of a gift is in the giving and receiving of it.

The actual item itself is far less important than the act. It will make it easier and you will feel less guilty passing the gift to people who need it rather than keeping an unwanted gift that will collect dust in your house, adding to the clutter.

You can also donate gifts to charity. You don’t have to scream it from the roof top either. You can kindly drop it off to SVSG or Mapuifagalele or any of your chosen charities. Please don’t take your used clothing with stains and holes to these places.

You know what I’m talking about. I’ve seen plenty when I look at op shops and I have been given books that were falling apart for book projects! If it’s not good for your family, it’s also not good for charity. Charities are not a drop off for unwanted trash.

Whatever you decide to do with your unwanted gift this Christmas, remember the treasure and trash saying. Have a great week Samoa!