Let’s face it, we will all have a couple of gifts that won’t be given until January. Reasons vary but you still want a good excuse to keep things friendly. Here are five winners that are sure to cover you in desperate times.

1. “I’m glad it finally got here!”

This excuse really pertains to gifts that were ordered and late being delivered. Although, I guess you buying it late could still qualify. Either way this line will make it seem like you’ve been pining for it to get here, thus making the receiver more excited. So, win-win.

2. “We’ve just been so crazy busy lately!”

Now you may ONLY use this if you have actually been busy. If you are unemployed and haven't done any traveling, pick something else. But for those of us juggling work, finals, travel, and family plans, we have every right to use this and be granted mercy.

3. “It took me forever to finish it and get it just right!”

This is to use only with gifts that are handmade or homemade. Obviously something you ordered won’t work. This also doubles as a last minute gift excuse because you can make a little gift really quick and pardon yourself with this.

4. “I wanted to find you the perfect thing!”

This line will take that awkward situation and make it really sweet, because “Aw you really put that much thought into it?!” You’ll need to back this up with a pretty stellar present, though.

This last one, for boyfriends especially, is the real winner!

5. “I’ve been looking forward to having separate plans with you so this could be special.”

Ding ding ding! This will ensure that not only will you two have a date (friendly or romantic) but also that you wanted to set aside time to spend with just this person to focus on him/her. Please use this excuse as an opportunity to spend real quality time.

In the end, it’s really not the gift that matters. Christmas is about celebrating the perfect gift God gave us, Himself as man, Who would grow to pay the price of our sins and grant us eternal salvation. So don’t stress about presents and parties, but turn your focus to praising God and worshipping Him with your loved ones. Thank Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do, as well as the relationships He has given you.

Thank you for supporting my ministry in writing. I love you all.

Merry Christmas!