We get end-of-year bonuses, at our 11-person company, plus a gift, and no raises. To me, it's wrong. Lack of raise means I need to go elsewhere to earn more. The bonus is great. The gift is just strange.

Usually the gift is a surprise. Last year we went to Vegas (24 hours smelling smoke), saw Cirque de Soleil, had dinner and got an iPod (I don't listen to music much). The execs and a few others were up all night and spent a few thousand dollars. One guy got a heart attack.

This year we stayed in town for the xmas party (really, dinner) at the CEO's new house and got the choice of a Galaxy Tablet or an iPad. I'd prefer a laptop. I chose a Galaxy, but it's weird to use. I'm selling it. I think the whole thing is silly. If I ran the company, I think I'd give something negotiable, like Amazon or Target or Trader Joes gift certificates, or just add it into the bonus.

My family doesn't celebrate xmas, or give gifts. It's a quaint holiday...