General Etiquette > Life...in general

Well, crud.

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Chocolate Cake:
"Miscommunication" is apparently my new name.

I was completely done with my Christmas shopping.  Everything has been purchased, wrapped, and shipped or has been stowed away for later.   Now, I get a phone call from a friend who mentioned having found the "perfect" gifts for me and my family for Christmas.   

Last year, I thought I had made it clear that I'd rather not exchange gifts, but would rather make a point of getting together for dinner to catch up instead.   I thought I had set the precedent then for future years.   Apparently not.

Now, I go from being "all done" to having to go out and shop for her and her family.  I could just scream.

goblue2539:
I don't suppose there's a polite way you can say thanks but no thanks, huh?  I can't think of one, but in your situation I'd try.  Maybe tell her that's really sweet but you thought you'd agreed on time instead of gifts?  Nope... I'm stuck. 

Sorceress:
All I can suggest is that you reiterate this year that in future years you would rather not exchange gifts and instead catch up over lunch or something.

It sounds like she just misinterpreted your last attempt to mean only that particular year.

kingsrings:
I don't think that you are now obligated to shop for her and her family. You made it abundantly clear last year that you didn't want to exchange gifts with her in the future, and for whatever reason, she is not abiding by that. Perhaps she has decided that she still wants to give you gifts, and couldn't care less whether you give to her. Some people are admirably like that. Don't give her gifts, and don't lose sleep over it.

Clara Bow:
Please excuse a bit of schadenfreude on my part, I've only got my son's stocking done and have just been too busy with school to do anyone else's stuff yet. I am not making this mistake next year! I'm usually done in October.
I think if I were you I would get her and her family gifts, then very firmly specify no gifts next year. Just tell her it's too much trouble for the both of you, or something like that. Maybe your families could get together for a meal and visit instead of doing gifts, just take turns hosting or something.

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