i Deputy Editor's Letter: Remember to smile sweetly at Granny Mabel this Christmas

Tree decorated? Tick. Presents wrapped? Tick. Turkey bought? Tick. Auntie Ethel and Granny Mabel collected from the station? Tick. Flashing lights draped over enormous Santa Claus on the front lawn? Well, maybe not...

By now, most people will be well into the swing of the festive season, with only a few last-minute bargain hunters/desperate husbands scouring the streets for that elusive present for loved ones (I should know, I’m one of them).

But despite all the care we take to find that perfect gift, a survey by the British Heart Foundation has revealed that two in three people receive at least one that they don’t want. Perhaps unsurprisingly, top of the list of unwanted presents is a onesie, closely followed by the celebrity weight-loss DVD. And if you’re heading out to give Santa a hand, perhaps it’s best to avoid celebrity cook books and socks – who doesn’t want a Christmas jumper?

With grandparents the most likely to give unwanted gifts, just smile sweetly at Granny Mabel if you tear open your biggest present to reveal a leopard-print onesie tomorrow morning. Remember it’s the season of goodwill – and charity shops will welcome you with open arms.

*****

The second part of our Charity Auction has now closed but if you missed out, don’t despair. Part III launches today with another 18 lots up for grabs, including an original artwork by Tracey Emin, lunch with i columnist Owen Jones and a Kenyan safari. Turn to page 27 for details on how to bid for these exclusive lots and give a late Christmas present (to replace that unwanted keep-fit DVD).

i@independent.co.uk

Twitter.com: @jonesrhodri