You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) Christmas in my home country is a big deal. The holidays mean a series of parties, feasts, and, most importantly – tons of shopping. This is because you are expected to give gifts to everyone. And I mean everyone! From your friends and family (including extended family) to the person who delivers your newspaper every day. Needless to say, it’s an expensive affair. Most of us justify this extravagance by saying “Christmas is just once a year!” If you came from a culture like mine and you’re wondering whether you should give gifts at the office this holiday season, here’s a guide: Having an awesome boss may inspire you to give them a gift this Christmas. But before you swipe your credit card for that special item, stop and think about it for a minute. Gift-giving during the holidays is not usually done in the Canadian workplace for many reasons. For one, not everyone celebrates Christmas. Second, giving a gift to the boss may be interpreted to mean that you are a brown noser, especially if your gift is a luxury item. This can also place an unwanted obligation on your boss to return the favour. Your co-workers may not look too kindly on your gesture, since treatment should generally be equal in the workplace. In short, you will make everyone feel uncomfortable. Here are a few tips on gift-giving at work: In Canada, holiday tipping is acceptable for service providers like postal workers, cleaners, or baby- sitters. But it depends on how long they have provided the service and if you have a personal relationship with the provider. For example, if you’ve had the same mailman or garbage collector for years and you are happy with their service, you may give them a box of cookies, candy or a gift card to Tim’s. Also, it is okay not to give holiday gifts or additional tips to service providers who already get tipped throughout the year like waiters, hairstylists/barbers, or food delivery persons. Gift-giving should never be required. It’s something that springs from your heart and is not obligatory. Give a gift if you have a close personal relationship with your neighbours. Holiday food like cookies or pastries would be appreciated. You may have already noticed that Canadians like to be practical during the holidays. The key word here is restraint. Canadians generally do not like to focus on material things; the thought you put into the gift is more important than the monetary value. It is also crass and in poor taste to ask for particular gifts, especially when they are expensive. Here are a few general tips: Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
Should I give a gift to my boss at Christmas?
Is it ok to give my teacher a gift?
Is it OK to give gifts to service providers?
Am I required to give something to my neighbours?
General gift-giving etiquette:
Sources: Unwritten rules of gift-giving at the office or school, Joan Bartel, Canadian Immigrant Magazine/Margaret Jetelina, Thinking Port; Canada gift giving customs, Giftypedia; and Canadian gift giving etiquette, Bits of Australia. Accessed December 20, 2018.We'd love to hear from you!