in October allows relatives time to adjust before they spend money on presents.
Keep the message warm and straightforward. A brief explanation is often more effective than a long list of reasons that invites people to argue about every detail.
Make the boundary clear. If the rule is based on age, state the age limit. If the decision concerns a budget or a particular type of gift, explain that clearly too.
Apply the decision consistently. Making exceptions for selected relatives can create unnecessary confusion and resentment.
Avoid criticizing other people’s
