Letters from the Switched on "The Holiday Issue" issue

Dear SwitchedOn,
I can not ever find the perfect gift for my boyfriend? I want to get him something expensive but I am 16 and do not have a job? Do you have any ideas?
Jill

Dear Jill,
A lot of people think that the more expensive the gift, the better the gift. Well, this is not the case. If you are crunched for money, you should try and come up with a thoughtful idea. Try making a gift for your boyfriend, this may turn out to be the best gift. Take a picture and decorate or paint a frame, this could only cost a few dollars but is more personal then an expensive video game. Take your boyfriend on a scavenger hunt through a park. Hide small gifts, like candy, this could be a fun activity for the both of you and will be very memorable. Check out the Internet for some great ideas on cheap alternatives to holiday gifts.
Signed,
SwitchedOn

Dear SwitchedOn,
My parents divorced three years ago. Every year during the holidays I always have to choose whom I am going to spend Christmas with. Being an only child this is a hard choice because it means one of my parents is going to be alone on Christmas day. I don't want to hurt either of them, but it is a really hard decision. What should I do?
James

Dear James,
First of all, your parents splitting up were your parent choices, so don't put all the pressure on yourself. Since they made the choice not to be together anymore, they are aware of the consequence, like not being able to spend every holiday with you. Perhaps you and your parents can come up with a plan. Rotate every other year, or spend Christmas Eve with one parent and Christmas day with the other. If you live to far away from each other to do this, maybe make sure that you call and talk to the parent you can't spend the day with.
Signed,
SwitvhedOn

Dear SwitchedOn,
My grandmother always gives me a homemade gift every year that is totally dreadful. One year she took a sweatshirt and drew puff paint reindeer all over it. Last year I received a scarf that had little bells attached that chimed when I moved. I love my grandma, but I never know how to act when I receive these gifts, help.
Anna

Dear Anna,
Well, first of all you are very lucky to have a grandma who cares about you so much that she would take time to make a gift herself for you. You need to realize that these gifts are going to be the ones that you remember for years down the road. In twenty years when your grandmother may no longer be around, the scarf with the bells may have stuck in your memory more then a gift card, or fancy lotions would have. Although, you may not ever wear the scarf or sweat shirt, make sure that your grandma sees how much you appreciate her. Having your grandma care so much about you is the real gift.
Signed,
SwitchedOn