My partner and I have been lucky enough to avoid any familial conflicts (partly because we make sure to see each other's families throughout the rest of the year). But that doesn't mean our choice goes unquestioned. In the past, I'd skirt the issue out of fear of offending someone,. This year, I plan to take Lundquist's advice and tell anyone who asks, "You don’t have to understand it, but this is how we do things, we don’t mean any offense, we feel great about our relationship and you’re just going to have to deal." And then I'll promptly have my partner's gift shipped off to his parents' house.