Have only just caught up with this and very belated
and
on reaching 60.
Welcome to the club!!!
Not sure about enjoying being 60 - I certainly don't - but have got used to that old sounding number, although I am now determined to do everything I possibly can and have fun over the next 10 years at least while I am still fit (and while my husband still is, as he was 68 on Xmas Eve....)
As for your sister. I agree with honeybun it is the thought that counts - but it sounds like there was a distinct lack of thought on her (your sister's) part in giving a bar of soap, rather than a lack of money spent. No-one expects an expensive gift but I would agree you don't need to spend money to put some thought into a present. In my family we have always encouraged people to make things and make cards which is more important than an expensive thing - so perhaps you are not on warm terms with your sister that she does not put effort into a special family event like yours, and make you a lovely card or a little something. My daughter earns very little but this Christmas, for her brothers made some choccie sweets, and other culinary goodies and tied them up beautifully in a sort-of cellophane hamper.
Not everyone feels the same though so if she has never been like this you can't make her behave as you do ( ie choose gifts thoughtfully however you are feeling) but does it need to be reciprocated? Can you not still give your sister gifts that you would like her to have irrespective of what she does in return? Having said that we do have agreements between me and some of my less immediate family (siblings, mother) about what we will give eg we do the Oxfam thing - or rather choose a charity which we get people to give to, and then just give a small token gift (like soap!! or chocs) to open.
Hurdity x