I love Peter Maile's story of tipping the postman in Provence and sharing some Pastis. By the time the postman was half way through his route, with everyone sharing Pastis, the guy would betotally drunk and weaving down the road deliverying the mail.
We make it a point to have at least treats all week for our delivery guys. Yeah, they are different guys during the holidays, they are so busy working long hours. But it adds to the spirit of the occassion and makes for good relations all year.