Greetings, Miss Manners At the last minute, my brother-in-law abruptly told us that he would be spending Christmas at our place. When he comes, he goes to bed till about ten o’clock.
My spouse and I are parents to three children, aged eight, three, and eight months. Should we let the kids open presents before their uncle wakes up, talk to him about waking sooner because it’s Christmas, or have the kids wait till he wakes up?
He probably wouldn’t mind if we didn’t wait for him.
PERSONAL READER: So why are you thinking of twisting small children against their uncle and hurting them?
The only civility Miss Manners recommends is informing your brother-in-law that he is free to sleep in and that the kids will be opening their presents at seven if they can wait that long.
Stories by
Judith Martin
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Miss Manners: In-laws’ request that no one bring food Christmas Eve must be honored, even if you end up hungry
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Miss Manners: Must I send thanks to financial adviser who sent gift of a mug with his logo on it?
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Miss Manners: I caught my snooping wife examining the Christmas gift I bought her. Can I return it?
Greetings, Miss Manners A few years ago, my brother and I (I’ve never been married, and he’s divorced) purchased a house jointly. John and Jim Doe are frequently the recipients of Christmas cards, invitations, and other items intended for the two of us.
We appear to be a couple based on this. Isn’t it more fitting to use Jim and John Doe to address the envelope?
I’m not a prude, and we both find amusement in the seeming gaffe, but am I correct in my assessment of the proper way to address a letter?
PERSONAL READER: As far as Miss Manners is concerned, it is customary to match the names of siblings who live at the same address without even considering their relationship. Only, appropriately, it would have been The Messrs. Jim and John Doe.
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