Some tips for holiday tipping

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — During the holidays it’s nice to say thank you to those who help us all year long, but how do you do it properly?

Tipping for the holidays, is something we want to do, but how much is enough. Local etiquette expert Tracee Meyer has some guidelines.

“Usually a great rule of thumb for holiday tipping is to tip anybody who performs a regular service, anybody from your house keeper to the person who does your hair. Your garbage collectors. You can tip the the equivalent of one visit,” Meyer said.

That sounds like an easy present. One extra trip. No shopping involved.

We are used to tipping people who serve us on a regular basis, but the extra holiday tip does make the season a little brighter.

Joanne Ickes also believes in tipping, and she has her own scale.

“I believe anyone who performs a service for you deserves a tip,” she said. “I generally tip 15-20 percent depending.”

It’s easy enough to tip in a restaurant, and most of us do this all the time. Well service people work hard, too, and in this economy they appreciate what you can afford. In fact you can tip almost anybody person or pet.

“Since we had our pups come with us to work, the white one here is Cracker, and the little one over here is Ruby, they seem to give them more gifts nowadays than us, which is fine with us,” hairstylist Linda Smith of Don Smith Hair Designs said.

Everyone appreciates a nice tip for the holidays. It’s great way to say Merry Christmas to someone who helps you through the year.

One note about postal employees.

“The post man can only receive a gift up to $20,” Meyer said. “If you are going to give cash $20 is the limit or a gift card, $20 would be the most they are allowed to accept.”

So share the wealth a little bit. Say thanks to the folks who help you all year long with a Merry Christmas gift.

There are several rules for holiday tipping. Experts say chose one that suits you and your budget.