Montana's Guide to Holiday Gratitude: Tipping This Season

Tipping is a subject that everyone seems to have an opinion about. It's rare for the topic to come up without someone having something to say about it. Opinions on tipping vary greatly. Some have no problem tipping, while others hate the practice.

You can add me into the latter category. In general, I don't think we should tip, especially in restaurants. I still do it, and I tip well, but it's a practice that I think should go away. There is one time of the year when I don't mind tipping, not only don't I mind it, but I actually look forward to it.

It's the end of the year, a time to tip people who help make your life easier, like your postal worker, childcare workers, and sanitation engineers (garbage collectors). If you were wondering, there are some things that your postal carriers can't accept for tips like cash.

According to a survey by Bankrate.com 4 in 5 people plan to tip this holiday season. The older people are, the less likely they are going to tip.60% of Generation Z plan to tip, while only 47% of Boomers intend to do so.

Certain services should expect tips this year. The most common ones to get tips are housekeepers, childcare providers, teachers, landscaper/snow remover, mail carriers and trash collectors. So how much are people going to tip?

Housekeepers and childcare providers can expect the highest tips at $50, followed by landscapers/snow removers at $30, teachers at $25, and mail carriers and trash collectors at $20.

In the end, tipping remains a personal choice that varies by individual and occasion. While opinions on the practice differ, the holiday season is a special time when many people show gratitude to those who make their lives easier. Whether it's your postal carrier, housekeeper, or teacher, a thoughtful tip can go a long way in spreading cheer and appreciation as the year comes to a close.