Rules to keep in mind during holiday season Published Dec. 9, 2011 By Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Legal office Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Legal office Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- The holidays are upon us, which usually brings activities to celebrate the season. Here are a few ethics rules to keep in mind during the season: Greeting cards may not be purchased, printed or mailed with any government funds (even when the agency's name appears on the card). Greeting cards are considered a personal expense of the individual who authorizes their use. Gift exchanges have the following limitations: $10 limit for gifts from subordinate to superior and $20 limit for gifts from a contractor employee to an Air Force employee. There are no limits for gifts given from a superior to subordinate and for gifts given to peers (however, common sense and good taste apply!). For gifts that are chosen at random or traded, there is no dollar amount limits. However, if personnel at different pay levels are involved, it is advisable to stick with the $10 and $20 limits. Exception: These limits need not apply if there is an agreed-upon set cost for all the gifts to be exchanged among a group. Holiday Parties: Refreshments (soft drinks, coffee, pastries, or similar refreshments not constituting a meal) are not considered a gift. Supervisors may accept food/refreshments shared in the office and may share in the expenses of an office party. Federal employees must decline invitations to parties hosted by a prohibited source. However, a federal employee may attend a party hosted by a prohibited source if he/she has an outside connection that results in the invitation (e.g., spouse's employer's holiday party). A prohibited source is anyone who seeks official action by Department of Defense or does business or seeks to do business with DOD. Fundraisers/Charities: Commanders can publicize off-base fundraising activities, requests for volunteers, etc. on bulletin boards, base-wide e-mail, and the base newspaper, except during Combined Federal Campaign or Air Force Assistance Fund. Putting out a box to collect toys, clothing, canned goods, etc., in common or public areas is not considered a fundraiser; however, such activities must still be approved by the installation commander. For more information, call the Kirtland AFB legal office at 846-4217.