Holidays and social status

Just ran across this excellent essay on PhillyBurbs.com by Kristen Coppock about how the holidays can really shine a spotlight on your social status -- whether you're single, childfree, divorcing, etc.

She writes:

We've all had encounters with annoying relatives who want to know why you're still single, haven't gotten engaged yet or aren't planning for children, as if there were something wrong with your lifestyle. But there are plenty of less obvious issues going on.

I've heard from a few single people who complained about having to buy gifts for couples who don't reciprocate equally. These individuals said they are forced to pay for two gifts or one big “couples gift,” but typically only get one in return that's worth about half of what the single person spent.

The same could be said for childless couples, who exchange gifts with family members or friends with kids in tow. It's about buying gifts for two people versus three, four or more. My list even includes a family of seven. It's a good thing I adore them and enjoy shopping.

With seven nephews and nieces to buy gifts for, I can totally relate. My solution has been to buy just one big gift that remains at their grandparents' house. (Fortunately they all live nearby.) It's alot cheaper than buying individual gifts and allows me to make a "cool aunt" splash. This year I got them carnival mirrors.

Do you feel it's unfair to have to buy gifts for other people's kids? How do you deflect the usual "when are you having kids" questions that arise over the holidays?
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