Today’s question: Holiday gift-giving. Do you give books for the holidays? Did you participate in LT’s SantaThing, either this year or last, or in other blogging gift exchanges? Were you happy with what you received?
I don’t normally give books for the holiday, but this year my friends are getting them. I can’t afford much more than that and no one in my family really likes books, so it’s a bit of a struggle. And that’s why I didn’t join up to buy books for the holidays – no one in my family will read them even if I buy them.
I did not participate in the book bloggers’ exchange simply because of my position in the UK. I can’t afford to send a gift to the US and since I’ve spent time at 3 different addresses this month, I wasn’t even sure where to ask for mine to be sent. I’m hoping my life next Christmas will be more settled and that I’ll be making at least a little money. I’ll be participating if that is the case. I did participate in SantaThing because I knew I’d be home and I figured that I spent very little over my first term in grad school and I could treat myself.
Well, that was before I got an email informing me that my student loan payments were overdue. I’m still in school and I thought my payments were deferred, but apparently something went wrong. I’ve been advised to pay them and send in the deferment applications ASAP, but this has now put me out of a lot of money I didn’t expect to lose when I don’t have an income. So, regretting that choice, but it’s a bit late now – luckily my parents have agreed to give me back $25 and count it as part of my gift. I’m not totally destitute but I really need a part-time job when I get back!
I also participated in SantaThing last year. I got one book I liked and wanted, but the second one I already owned, so I exchanged it at the bookstore. I still haven’t read what I exchanged it for, unfortunately, but my Santa made good choices and I was pleased. This year’s gift hasn’t arrived yet, but according to LT it should be here by tomorrow. I hope I’ll be happy with what my new Santa has chosen!
Sorry to hear about the mess with your loans. Hopefully it will get straightened out.
That’s terrible news about your student loan problem – and it’s especially awful, coming right at Christmas. But I hope your SantaThing gift is a pleasant surprise when you get it.
Hope your financial troubles are eased soon! My family is the same way about books, although I did manage to get books for two family members this year.
Hoping you get something good!
Wow – you’ve got a lot going on with grad school and three different addresses! I’d like to participate in the Secret Santa Exchange again next year – it was really fun this year.
Here’s my Thinger! I would also like to invite you to join me at Wendi’s Book Corner next week as I begin hosting Tuesday Thinger with a huge thank you to Marie!