If someone gives you a gift, do you open it right away?

[NMAmy]

Not a family member but someone like a co-worker that you're not going to see again before the holiday?

Do you open the gift right away or do you just leave it wrapped and take it home and...well, I don't know, save it for Christmas or open it in private or something else?

I guess it's pretty obvious that I open it right in front of the person so I can thank them and talk to them about it. Since I do this, I have no idea what the non-openers do.

If you don't open them right away, what DO you do with the gift?

I'm asking because I have a co-worker near me who just takes the wrapped gifts home. I feel weird about asking so thought I'd put it out there and see what you all say. You ARE my experts on just about everything.

 

[Todd&Copper]

Usually when I receive a wrapped gift, I always ask the donor - should I open it now? If they say yes or go ahead, I do, of course. If they say it is up to me, if it is not disruptive for me to do so, and if I have a place to toss the wrapping opaper, I go ahead and do it so they can see my reaction.
Oh, and I NEVER open presents in front of my Grandma b/c I DON'T want her to see my reaction.

 

[NMAmy]

.
Oh, and I NEVER open presents in front of my Grandma b/c I DON'T want her to see my reaction.

Have you seen Jeafl's thread about her MIL's gifts? Because that is the one person I don't think I could open the gift in front of.

Usually, another coworker will bully this guy into opening his gift here. She's off today, though.

 

[Faerie]

I do the ask/open thing too!

 

[sassyat30]

I do the ask/open thing too!

Me too!

But if it comes in the mail, all bets are off and that sucker is being opened!!

 

[MM27]

When students bring me gifts for Christmas, I usually take them home and open them there. While I would love to open them in front of the kids (and the ones that bring them usually beg me to open them), I worry that it will make the others feel bad. I write a thank you card and make sure I personalize it with the gift they got for me. I send it to their home over the winter break.

When kids have handed me gifts, I've had others say "I have a present for you, but I forgot to bring it," or "We're getting your present this weekend" I tell them that I would love it if they make me a card or a picture that I can hang up. I told my class last year that I would pass out my gifts for them at the party. One of the boys raised his hand and said "Do you only give a present to the kids that brought you one?" I assured him that there was a gift for everyone.

 

[Nienor]

I always open it when I get a present. I assume the giver wants to see my reaction when I open the present. I can act thrilled no matter if the present is a pooping lawn gnome.


Strangely enough, I wouldn't mind getting a pooping lawn gnome.

 

[Kitty 34]

I open it usually right then and there.

 

[miss missy]

Yes, I think it is polite to open in front of them, unless they ask you to wait and take it for xmas day. My friends kids came over tonight and the children exchanged because they wont see eachother before xmas... but me and my friend will so we waited.

 

[ASFCurly]

unless they say they want me to wait, or we are in a situation where it is incomvient to open right then, I open it when I am given it.

 

[Pirate Me]

If it has the sticker "Do not open until Christmas" then it's self-explanatory..
This package will self-destruct if opened.
D:
I'd probably ask the person if I should open it. First, I'd shake it though.