This is a preference. But I wouldn’t mind if society took it as a rule.

I don’t consider myself an etiquette snob but this time of year a particular phrase rubs me the wrong way.

Here is a summary of why I hate when people ask me what I got for Christmas:

1. Lack of connection. The question “What did you get for Christmas?’ is really limited to only physical things: a bike, a new toolset. It’s completely objective. It has no personal connection. After asking this question you don’t know if the person liked their gift if they found them funny or useful.
2. Comparison. It’s not uncommon for someone to ask this question when in all reality all they want to is answer it themselves. Any item that you mention recieving is immediately compared to whatever they got. Suddenly it turns into an unwanted game of comparison.
3. Unimportant. Possibly the most obvious argument against this question is that when compared to everything else involved in Christmas your family, friends, activities, and food what gifts you got are the last priority.  The question “What did you get for Christmas?’ has everything to do with things not people.

Here are great alternatives to this awful question:

How was your Christmas?

Are there any traditions you do this time of year?

Did you have family over?

What were some highlights from the day?

What was the best present you got?

Were there any funny gifts you got?

Put things into perspective and take the extra effort to get to know your friends and family by asking more meaningful and personal questions.