ASK AMY

One Christmas, my assistant, whom I value highly, presented me with a gift that she made herself. It was a heavy glass jar filled with potpourri and angel heads. Twirled around inside were tiny Christmas lights with the plug hanging out of the top of the jar. When you plugged it in, the jar lit up and the most noxious odor emitted from the ghastly concoction. She asks me every year if I light up her special Christmas jar, and of course I say yes . . . but it's actually lighting up a landfill.

Anonymous

Dear Amy:

I had to laugh when a few years ago a friend of mine told me about her "ugly-gift closet." She stored unwanted gift items in it, and just before the giver came to visit, she could easily haul out whatever doodad was needed, and after the visit put it back in her "UGC" for the next time.

I think everyone could use a UGC on occasion.

Loves Ugly Gifts

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