Presents, no school, eggnog, and family time. The list goes on. Just the thought of Christmas brings about happiness. However, if you’re familiar with gift giving you know that there is the one thing we all dread: getting an absolutely horrible gift. We’ve all been there at one point. Either we’ve given or received the bad gift. The number one question among us is how do we handle receiving this horrible gift without hurting the giver’s feelings? Here are five ways to help prepare and deal with receiving a bad gift.

1) Smile

It’s the perfect way to conceal any true emotions and a great way to avoid awkwardness. Not only are you able to avoid confrontation and appear ungrateful, but if the giver is someone who is important to you, you’ll also make them feel relieved and good about themselves knowing that they’ve made you happy.

2) Re-gift or return it

In most cases, a gift receipt is often included for times like this. You can always return the gift and purchase something that you truly like. When doing this, though, make sure that if the giver finds out about the return that you politely explain your hesitations about the original gift.   To avoid looking ungrateful and insincere, explain the benefit of using that money on a more useful gift. If returning the gift is not an option you can also give it to someone else as a gift. Make sure that the person who will be receiving the gift will make good use of it to avoid a repetition of being stuck in the predicament in which you are currently. This way you are not just dumping the gift but putting it to good use.

3) Lower expectations

Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of requesting outrageously expensive gifts that sometimes the giver just can’t afford. Instead of being upset about the gift not being exactly what you wanted, try to look at the thought that went into the gift and thank them based on that. For the next holiday request something reasonable, making your chances of getting a gift you want or need a reality.

4) Be honest

As they always say, “honesty is the best policy.” Whether or not that will be the best in this case depends solely on the relationship between you and the giver. If you have a close relationship with the giver, or if you want to make sure that under no circumstances you ever get that kind of gift again, then maybe being blunt and explaining your true feelings, rather than, lying will work in your advantage.

5) Drop subtle hints for the next holiday

If none of these ideas appeal to you, then maybe it’s time to just accept the horrible gift for what it is and move one. At some point in our lives we all have to just lick our wounds and prepare for what’s next. The same goes for bad presents. In preparation for next year you can always drop hints. The most common reason why someone gives a bad gift is not knowing what you want, so throughout the year subtly drop hints of what you like. You won’t want to be painfully obvious because then the giver might steer away from what you mention and try to surprise you with an unexpected gift, which is exactly what you don’t want.

Overall getting a bad present isn’t the end of the world. The holidays are a time for happiness and snow so if all else fails, take that ugly sweater, put it on, whip up some hot chocolate and enjoy Christmas movies. Happy Holidays!