It's that time of year when we are filled with the holiday spirit one minute and totally frazzled the next.

The pressures of shopping for the perfect gifts for family and friends, wrapping and hiding presents, decorating the house and place of business, entertaining and being entertained just don't seem to be enough to tax our stress level.

We have the additional angst of worrying about purchasing the appropriate gifts for our colleagues and the do's and don'ts of corporate gift giving.

Who gives and what do you give management? If you are an employee, you need only to give a card with a personalized sentiment to the boss. Save your gift giving for your family and personal friends, not your co-workers. In the spirit of the season, if you wish to give something to everyone in the office, some home-baked cookies or peanut brittle to share or a big tin of flavored popcorn is usually appreciated.

If you are upper management and wish to offer a simple gift to an executive or a special client, proceed with caution. Don't be lavish or overextend yourself. A book is an excellent token of your thoughtfulness. Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave books at Christmas and it became a signature associated with her. Books are not gender specific, can pertain to a person's likes, hobbies, interests or career.

The ubiquitous fruitcake, paperweights, calendars and gift baskets along with inexpensive bottles of wine and various sausages are in the too-much-of-a-good-thing category.

If you are not readily prepared to hit the bookstore, other options are plentiful. A timely suggestion would be a clock. However, a clock to someone from Singapore or Hong Kong represents death.

Also, please leave the imprinted company logo off the gift. The gift will be more appreciated for its sincerity if it does not include advertising.

Decorative candles, beautiful plants, a leather appointment book or writing portfolio are also considerations.

Not matter what you choose, in business, keep gifts impersonal. You don't want the recipient to feel indebted to you. Keep it simple, thoughtful and refrain from giving anything of a personal nature such as perfume or an article of clothing.

Some gifts may be misconstrued or are unethical. The holidays are also not the time to exercise your sense of humor in the business arena.

Be sensitive to others' cultural and religious differences, as Christmas isn't the only holiday being celebrated in December. Some do not celebrate any holiday in December. Exercise your good manners and give proper respect and acknowledgement to non-Christian colleagues and their personal observances or choices. Your thoughtfulness will go a long way in creating a harmonious workplace for everyone.

Finally, if you are unexpectedly given a gift and you have no gift for the giver, don't feel compelled to rush out on your lunch break and buy something for that person in return. Just relax and appreciate the gift and more importantly the thought behind it. You are not required to reciprocate. The perfect way to reciprocate is with a lovely handwritten note.

If someone takes the time to think of you with the gift, you certainly can take five minutes to think of them in return. Send a note of gratitude and appreciation -- but not via e-mail.

As you step up to the challenge of holiday gift giving, give the gift that is easy to come by, inexpensive and will not be returned - a smile. Spread the joy of the season, which very possibly could bring peace on earth and good will toward all.