Hey East Texas: So, Giving Cash for Christmas…Good or Bad Idea?

TYLER, TEXAS -- Cash. Who doesn't want a bit more of that? Especially this year, when we live in a society that seems to require more and more of it to function as each day passes.

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But, when it comes to gift-giving, there's dissension amongst the ranks as to whether or not this is an acceptable holiday offering. So...is it "okay" to give someone cash for Christmas? (Or birthday, etc?)

Is it "OK" to Give Cash for Christmas?

According to Diane Gottsman, an associate of the Protocol School of Texas (which I was not aware existed), the answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here's how it breaks down, apparently.

Cash can be seen as a somewhat impersonal gift.

So, be cautious if you know someone who would expect a more personal gift from you. Consider your relationship with the person.

If you DO decide to give cash, consider pairing it with something else.

Don't just open your wallet and hand it to them if it's a special day. Pair with a lovely card or handwritten note. Add some candy or a plant—something to "warm" up the cold, hard cash.

When it comes to little kids, they probably won't fully understand what you're giving them.

(Wait, kid---this'll all make sense later.) In the meantime, if you want to give a kid cash, give it to their parents and then pick up a fun little whirligig or something fun they can tinker with.

Cash is usually quite welcome, though, for those in genuine NEED of it. And right now, that's most of us.

For example, even in more financially solid times, cash is usually quite well received by college kids or newlyweds. Perhaps you know someone who is trying to raise funds for a particular something. GREAT. Bonus points if you mention in that aforementioned heartfelt note that this is your intention. But in my opinion, any money given right now would be gratefully received by most people--especially now.

Then, add chocolate. That always helps in every situation. How about you? Do you like receiving cash for Christmas? Why or why not?