Dear Eric: We have given Christmas gifts to eight of our son’s friends since middle school.

I recently retired and do not make the kind of money I used to. I want to tactfully tell them that I love them all dearly but need to stop gifting. They do not gift us, nor do I ever see them open their gifts. So, I really don’t get the joy out of it anymore.

Can you help?

—Gift Giver

Dear Giver: You’re basically already there with what you’ve written to me. A card or note that tells them you love them all dearly but that your circumstances are changing and so you need to end the tradition should suffice. You can even say less if you’d like and just send them a card that announces, “we’re switching to cards for Christmas. Still love you lots!”

Asking Eric: My sister doesn’t want to come home

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