Too many gifts of candy!

[CAROLOFTHEBELLS]

Anyone else get way too much candy for Christmas?

I am without a job, so this is from family only, no co-workers. I do some volunteer work, but with no gift exchange. Keep in mind, I am single, no children, no significant other to share with.

One box of chocolates with orange cream centers.
One box of dark chocolate covered cherry cordials (which I actually never cared much for, but were always part of Christmas when I was a kid, so I understand why my sister gave them to me).
One chocolate Santa with a peppermint creme center.
One chocolate Santa with a carmel center.
A small bag of chocolates such as Reeses and Kisses (only three or four, but there was also a large dish of them out at Christmas eve and day.
A Godiva chocolate truffle (would have been happy with just this, I think).

I also still have my Easter gift, a gift card for Sees -$20! Seriously, when I go there (not often and the nearest one is not convenient) I buy at the most two chocolates and they give one sampler. I know they don’t cash out their gift cards, so it goes to waste. (Checked gift card exchanges on the internet and none accept Sees.).

I got some very decedant candy bars for my birthday in May, which were hard to resist. They were something like 50% or more fat each!

I suspect some of the candy gift ideas come from my brother in law, which thinks I am not fat when I say I have gotten a belly. Yes, I carry it well, but I have belly fat and that is not good for you no matter what you look like. I’ve told him it is not what shows on the outside that counts, but what is building up on the inside. This is in ordinary conversation. I have not said a word about the gifts.

I feel like I am swimming upstream in a river of chocolate and more gets added every holiday or celebration.

 

[ClearWater]

Anyone else get way too much candy for Christmas?

I am without a job, so this is from family only, no co-workers. I do some volunteer work, but with no gift exchange. Keep in mind, I am single, no children, no significant other to share with.

One box of chocolates with orange cream centers.
One box of dark chocolate covered cherry cordials (which I actually never cared much for, but were always part of Christmas when I was a kid, so I understand why my sister gave them to me).
One chocolate Santa with a peppermint creme center.
One chocolate Santa with a carmel center.
A small bag of chocolates such as Reeses and Kisses (only three or four, but there was also a large dish of them out at Christmas eve and day.
A Godiva chocolate truffle (would have been happy with just this, I think).

I also still have my Easter gift, a gift card for Sees -$20! Seriously, when I go there (not often and the nearest one is not convenient) I buy at the most two chocolates and they give one sampler. I know they don’t cash out their gift cards, so it goes to waste. (Checked gift card exchanges on the internet and none accept Sees.).

I got some very decedant candy bars for my birthday in May, which were hard to resist. They were something like 50% or more fat each!

I suspect some of the candy gift ideas come from my brother in law, which thinks I am not fat when I say I have gotten a belly. Yes, I carry it well, but I have belly fat and that is not good for you no matter what you look like. I’ve told him it is not what shows on the outside that counts, but what is building up on the inside. This is in ordinary conversation. I have not said a word about the gifts.

I feel like I am swimming upstream in a river of chocolate and more gets added every holiday or celebration.

My mother has a very honest style. She is able to tell us the truth. She could say before the next Christmas simply that she didn’t need any more candy, that she had enough.

She is sort of funny. She will say, “No nicknacks, and nothing for the wall”! lol

(With 11 children, grandchildren, etc., I think she did have to set a few ground rules).

Before holidays role around, next time around, can you send them a hint that you are on a diet of sorts?

 

[Beryllos]

Perhaps you can donate the candy to those in need… but what kind of charity welcomes donations of candy? Maybe a soup kitchen or homeless shelter could distribute it along with more nutritious food.

 

[ClearWater]

Perhaps you can donate the candy to those in need… but what kind of charity welcomes donations of candy? Maybe a soup kitchen or homeless shelter could distribute it along with more nutritious food.

 

[HopenHappiness]

We have that problem every year. So this is what we do, we regift to other parts of the family and friends the chocolate we don’t need. And we also donate chocolate to the food pantry. As long as it is in the original wrappings and unopened, ours will take it. It’s not hard for me to do as I only like Hershey’s and M&M’s and people insist on buying Lindt, Godiva and other expensive chocolate that we do not like. So check with your food pantry, it is a welcome treat.

 

[Auntie_A]

Yeah, no job, yet an embarrassment of sweets!. I feel for you. On the one hand, we say thanks, and we eat, offer, or donate the chocolates to those of lesser fortune; on the other hand, we wonder if anyone really knows us and what we want.

I’m sure some married people get gifts that are useless. I once gave my Dad a green paisley ascot, tie, and handkerchief and he laughed and asked me where I thought he should wear it and I said “To work?” and he laughed again --he was in Painting and Maintenance. What did I know?

But when we are unmarried, maybe it hurts a little more to not have our needs met or wants known?

I have an unmarried friend who tells people what she needs and wants. I wish I could do that a little more. Maybe you could say, “No more chocolates, doctor’s orders, Here’s what I really need:”

 

[Avila123]

The others have good ideas. The one thing to note is that it takes a while for ideas to sink in. Every year I say my house is too cluttered and I really appreciate floral scented toiletries and scented candles. Then I ask them for ideas for what they would like. Every year they struggle or forget, however, the message is slowly sinking in and I received some candles and 3 sets of toiletries this year.

The truth is that there are other things I would like but I have to think of the limited capabilities of the giver (I am not talking about money). Consequently, I am also severely limited in my suggestions, otherwise, it is a waste of money as the items end up in the charity shop or bin.

Just find alternatives and keep plugging away at dropping unsubtle hints e.g. sadly mentioning the mountain of chocolates dumped because they passed their eat by date, the unused candy vouchers now expired.

 

[pnewton]

I have way too much Christmas food, though not just candy. I am giving it to the hard-working Sheriff’s deputies and getting it out of the house.

 

[Gordon_Sims]

We’re much better off on the sweets front this year than last year. With us it’s not just candy but baked goods as well. I made a comment about it a couple years ago which was pretty much dismissed by the whole family. Last year, though, there was so much it was embarrassing. The only thing we got for ourselves last year was a Reese’s peanut butter tree in each stocking. My wife then made a pie to take to my parents’ house. Instead of covered dishes, everyone else brought a dessert as well, so not only did nobody touch my wife’s pie, but someone snuck almost an entire cake into one of the bags we brought home. My mom gives everyone a big plate of cookies each year. We were expecting that, but then everyone else decided to give out homemade cookies, too. Then, everyone gave gift bags to each of the kids, and the gift bags were full of candy. Finally, my parents included a substantial amount of candy in each of the adults’ gift bags. This was all on top of the fact that instead of giving out little $5-10 gifts like they normally do, my wife’s friends gave her plates of cookies and brownies (one even gave us the huge plate of cookies they received from their parents, thinking it made a lot more sense to give to us and our five kids than to keep it at home with them and their only child). We honestly had a hard time finding room for it all. Unfortunately, the thought of donating it never crossed our minds. We ended up throwing away a ton of both the candy and the baked goods.

After last year, the amount of baked goods and candy at my parents’ house was way down. My wife hasn’t exchanged gifts with her friends yet, but I’m hoping they cut out the sweets as well. We still have more in the house than I’d like, but it’s at least a somewhat reasonable amount.

 

[Cat]

I love candy.

I bring the candy to my workplace and set it out in the break room. It’s generally gone before the end of the shift, and if my shift doesn’t eat it, the next shift does. This is a great way for me to avoid eating the entire box in one sitting, which I can easily do with certain candies.

At least candy keeps. Yesterday I threw out a ton of cookies, breads, and other baked goods that had gone stale, moldy, or mushy. Some people suggest freezing these foods, but I really dislike thawed frozen baked goods. That’s one reason I don’t like Elijah bread (Biggest Loser staple).

Oh, well, Christmas 2013 is almost gone, and we’ll be eating veggie sticks and fresh fruit (out of season–yucky!) to try to lose that holiday flab.

 

[CAROLOFTHEBELLS]

Yeah, no job, yet an embarrassment of sweets!. I feel for you. On the one hand, we say thanks, and we eat, offer, or donate the chocolates to those of lesser fortune; on the other hand, we wonder if anyone really knows us and what we want.

I’m sure some married people get gifts that are useless. I once gave my Dad a green paisley ascot, tie, and handkerchief and he laughed and asked me where I thought he should wear it and I said “To work?” and he laughed again --he was in Painting and Maintenance. What did I know?

But when we are unmarried, maybe it hurts a little more to not have our needs met or wants known?

I have an unmarried friend who tells people what she needs and wants. I wish I could do that a little more. Maybe you could say, “No more chocolates, doctor’s orders, Here’s what I really need:”

Your present to your dad was a cute story.

The reason for the concern I have receiving boxes of chocolates as a single lady is it feels like an obligation to eat the entire box myself. And I can’t offer it to those who gave it to me because one IS on a diet and the other should be (my brother in law does not recognize what snacks and candy can do). I picture myself as this little girl (with the round tummy, but little) being swallowed up by a big box that is calling me to the island of temptation from which I shall never return!

Everyone thinks I am healthy and thin and I may be compared to some other family members, but who knows what changes are going on inside. I can’t say I am dieting because no one thinks I should. I try saying that I want to eat healthy, but I suppose the gifts are supposed to be an indulgement to make not feel deprived. The thing is, I am quite capable of buying candy for myself and indulge in that more than apples, for instance. So, it is like I am being pushed over the edge! Ever notice the more you say you are avoiding something yummy, the more people want to give it to you?

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I second the suggestion to take it to the firehouse, local school or hospital. Anywhere there are lots of people to eat it up. If there is a place where day workers gather that’s another good choice or your diocese offices if they are close. (Your parish rectory is probably overrun with candy also.)

Then at thanksgiving next year start talking about the latest novel, music CD, scarf, or other items you’d like. Especially if you start talking about how the EMTs or police officers liked the candy from last year, they may get the hint!

 

[LilyRose_8891]

Anyone else get way too much candy for Christmas?

I am without a job, so this is from family only, no co-workers. I do some volunteer work, but with no gift exchange. Keep in mind, I am single, no children, no significant other to share with.

One box of chocolates with orange cream centers.
One box of dark chocolate covered cherry cordials (which I actually never cared much for, but were always part of Christmas when I was a kid, so I understand why my sister gave them to me).
One chocolate Santa with a peppermint creme center.
One chocolate Santa with a carmel center.
A small bag of chocolates such as Reeses and Kisses (only three or four, but there was also a large dish of them out at Christmas eve and day.
A Godiva chocolate truffle (would have been happy with just this, I think).

I also still have my Easter gift, a gift card for Sees -$20! Seriously, when I go there (not often and the nearest one is not convenient) I buy at the most two chocolates and they give one sampler. I know they don’t cash out their gift cards, so it goes to waste. (Checked gift card exchanges on the internet and none accept Sees.).

I got some very decedant candy bars for my birthday in May, which were hard to resist. They were something like 50% or more fat each!

I suspect some of the candy gift ideas come from my brother in law, which thinks I am not fat when I say I have gotten a belly. Yes, I carry it well, but I have belly fat and that is not good for you no matter what you look like. I’ve told him it is not what shows on the outside that counts, but what is building up on the inside. This is in ordinary conversation. I have not said a word about the gifts.

I feel like I am swimming upstream in a river of chocolate and more gets added every holiday or celebration.

As my husband would say, “My blood hurts.” uch: So much fat going into the ol’ arteries.

I think donating the candy is a good idea. Problem is, we’ve already opened it all and it’s sitting in the kitchen staring me in the face. Time to pray to the Holy Spirit for help in exercising large amounts of self-control.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

As my husband would say, “My blood hurts.” uch: So much fat going into the ol’ arteries.

I think donating the candy is a good idea. Problem is, we’ve already opened it all and it’s sitting in the kitchen staring me in the face. Time to pray to the Holy Spirit for help in exercising large amounts of self-control.

I would still consider donating it. Transfer the candies from the boxes to a nice tin or new plastic storage box and take it to the firehouse or police station. I’m sure they’ll still be happy to see it!

 

[Xantippe]

Our pastor has been setting out boxes of his Christmas treats after Mass.

 

[LilyRose_8891]

I would still consider donating it. Transfer the candies from the boxes to a nice tin or new plastic storage box and take it to the firehouse or police station. I’m sure they’ll still be happy to see it!

Great idea!

 

[thequietsinger]

I am with those who suggest giving it to the local police and/or fire departments. Also, if you live near a military base, see if there is an “enlisted center,” or they are sometimes called “liberty center(s).” It’s a place that young enlisted men and women go for recreation time, and I know from experience that they would be more than happy to see all that chocolate!

 

[Cariethra]

I know how you feel, and I have people to share with. I honestly throw a lot of it away. All of you nice people thinking about donating it. I suppose you could also give it to a local shelter, maybe one with children. I doubt they get a lot of candy. It might liven their spirits a bit.

On a side of levity, reading down your list made me think of a chocolate version of the 12 Days of Christmas.

 

[CAROLOFTHEBELLS]

Yeah, the 12 days of Christmas in Willie Wonka’s world!

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I don’t know if I would feel right about donating candy, although I did have a thought of opening a box on the bus and offering some to fellow passengers. I know there have been times when I have been really hungry on a bus ride.

What I did with the boxes was opened each one at home, ate one from the box,and then put them on one of the tables in the house that has other Christmas candies and cookies laying on it. So, basically, it was sort of like giving it back to the family members who gave it to me, but in a communal kind of setting. It was easier to get rid of than I thought, with the exception of the fact that I picked up a couple of cookies while doing it!

Now I just need to figure out what to do when Valentine’s Day rolls around.

 

[LilyM]

I love candy.

I bring the candy to my workplace and set it out in the break room. It’s generally gone before the end of the shift, and if my shift doesn’t eat it, the next shift does. This is a great way for me to avoid eating the entire box in one sitting, which I can easily do with certain candies.

At least candy keeps. Yesterday I threw out a ton of cookies, breads, and other baked goods that had gone stale, moldy, or mushy. Some people suggest freezing these foods, but I really dislike thawed frozen baked goods. That’s one reason I don’t like Elijah bread (Biggest Loser staple).

Oh, well, Christmas 2013 is almost gone, and we’ll be eating veggie sticks and fresh fruit (out of season–yucky!) to try to lose that holiday flab.

One of the benefits of living in the Southern Hemisphere - Christmas occurs in summer, so oodles of beautiful fruit available post-Christmas.