Here’s how to master the art of giving this holiday

Navigating the world of giving back to the people who made your life easy throughout the year can be tricky, especially with the rising cost of living, but there are ways to do it with grace, according to an etiquette expert.

Etiquette expert, Julie Blais Comeau, shared some tips with CTV Morning Live.

Make a list

“Make a list (and) check it twice in relationship to your budget. You are going to think about the people who make your life and your family’s life beautiful and easy, and for how long they’ve been servicing you,” Comeau said.

Tipping is important, as it’s a gesture to appreciate and recognize the services you receive, especially during the holidays, Commeau says.

“They give you peace of mind, they make you feel good,” she said. “That’s what the Christmas spirit is all about.”

Who should we tip, or gift?

She recommends giving the people you know from schools, hospitals, clinics or other workers in professional institutions a gift. Comeau adds that offering cash for those people could go against their code of ethics, and therefore perceived badly.

“You could be getting them into trouble,” Commeau explained. “A gift is fine.”

When it comes to your children, they should be able to sign their own names to express their gratitude for their teachers when gifting them, she adds.

She recommends avoiding giving lavish gifts for teachers and sticking with the $20-25 amount, as some parents may not be able to afford higher than that.

On the other hand, you could double-up the tip for your dog walker, or Amazon delivery agent to thank them for the service they’ve been offering, she adds.

Add some thought

A card is a must, as it shows thoughtfulness, she says.

“Take the time, sit down, have your cup of tea, light up a candle, then start writing on the card,” she said.

Comeau recommends asking before giving a gift.

“Pickup the phone and ask. If you think about your parents, (in) that nursing home they cannot receive cash,” she added.

She says organizing a lunch or sending a basket of some savoury and sweets are some thoughtful ideas to give gifts to your parents, she says.

“It’s been a tough year for a lot of people, and you may have in the past offered (generous) a tip. This year, you just can’t. So, let’s go back to being thoughtful and recognizing those people and if you are on the receiving end of a tip and feel like you’ve been let down, give the other person the benefit of the doubt,” she said.

“Sometimes we think that everything is wonderful and beautiful, but that person’s spouse may have lost their job, or they, themselves, may be going through a very troubling time.”