Thursday, December 09, 2010

Holiday Season Tips

I consider myself a good tipper. I've worked as a waitress and a bartender and I know how physically demanding those jobs can be. And let's face it, the general public is about as well-behaved as a toddler on a sugar binge a good portion of the time. So if I get good service, I always leave at least 20%.


I am always perplexed with holiday tipping though. I never quite know what is enough and I panic that I'm leaving someone out. Last year, I tipped the garbage guy only to realize that there were actually two people collecting our trash each week. I never seem to remember my newspaper lady even though I always think how bad it must suck to be out at five in the morning in the freezing cold. Then you've got the mail people and all the teachers at the school. And the hairdressers. It's enough to drive a girl straight to a dish of chocolate Santas.

But I want each and every one of these people to know that I appreciate them and everything they do to make my life run smoother. I started with the newspaper lady who never leaves a tip envelope. I enclosed the tip with my bill so she would be sure to get it this year. I'll be leaving two envelopes for the garbage guys this year. The mail ladies are getting Starbucks gift cards and glowing letters to their supervisors for jobs well done throughout the year. That just leaves the teachers who all love any kind of homemade craft/gift card combo. Oh wait, I almost forgot the hairdresser. :)


Whew, now that wasn't so bad. Who do you leave holiday tips/gifts for and what do you usually give them?


xo,

Stephanie







2 comments:

TinaFerraro said...

Steph, I visit my local PO a couple times a week, since I have a mailbox there and do a lot of book mailing.
Last year I opened a box of cookies that arrived there and shared...but what a great idea to get them Starbuck cards! =)

And loved that comic!

erica and christy said...

Yep, Starbucks (or wherever) cards are best.

My uncle, an obvious stickler for the rules, was a mail carrier for 35 years. He wouldn't accept a monetary tip because, as a federal employee, it could be construed as bribery.

And your cartoon was very funny (and a bit gross).
erica