I want to know if I have to send Christmas gifts to my brother and sister who live 300 miles from me and I haven't seen or heard from in at least a year? One has contacted me a couple of times but not the other.

That's entirely up to you. Would you like to reconnect with them? Many people are in contact just during the holidays... even family members. Maybe send them a short note to update them on how you are doing and leave it at that.

I don't feel that it is a "need" as nearly as much as do you honestly feel about giving them a Christmas gift. If you send gifts and it's not heart felt then it would be out of obligation . You wouldn't get a good feeling about giving at all. But , it's something you'll have to decide on. I understand how you feel... I've most likely been in the same shoes sometime through life also. I guess you should ask yourself ," How wiil I feel if I don't send gifts as opposed to sending them.

Giving gifts is never a "have to" sort of thing..... By the fact that you are posting this question it seems that you dont really want to send them a gift but feel that you "have to"..... I am in a similar position as you, and have decided to send everyone cards.... I found old photos of my brother and I, went to walmart and had my favourite one printed into a christmas card! It is inexpensive, but a very sweet gesture......

My brothers and sisters don't exchange gifts. We're all adults and all feel that if there is something that we want, we would get it ourselves. We do always get gifts for each other's children and our parents though.