The ghost of Joan Rivers may be haunting me. Every time I read or hear someone complain about not finding the right Christmas gift or crowds at the malls — or, by far the worst, not receiving the right Christmas gift — I hear Joan’s inimitable voice uttering one of her signature statements: “Oh grow up!” So, it’s no wonder I found the results of a recent study on national attitudes about holiday giving particularly cringe-worthy. The study, by 1010data, Inc., surveyed 1,004 U.S. adults. That’s adults, folks. Adults, as in grown-ups who should know better. Here’s what they had to say:

• 52 percent of respondents said they had experienced a negative reaction from their significant other after giving an unexpected or different holiday gift because the item they really wanted was not available, out of stock or too expensive
• 20 percent of respondents cited receiving the silent treatment as a top reaction from loved ones
• 18 percent of respondents said the negative reaction included complaints to friends or family
• 11 percent of respondents said the negative reaction included making the disappointing gift a topic at a social gathering or party
• 10 percent of respondents said arguments resulted from the disappointing gift
• 1 percent of respondents said the disappointing gift led to the end of the relationship

Here’s a thought: Take the potential for disappointment completely out of the picture. Rather than throwing money at unappreciated gifts, put the funds to good use by donating to Toys for Tots or paying off someone’s layaway balance at a local toy store to ensure a Merry Christmas for a few good kids whose parents may be facing financial hardship this holiday season. — Lisa Matte, editor in chief