Meh, if she's 38yo and not a junkie/gambler etc and needed money that much to steal from a relative, I'd just as soon feel she needed it more than me. Christmas is desperate times for folks who don't have money and pressures to gift give, especially if they have kids. I guess it depends on how hard up you are - if you NEEDED that five bucks than you have more issues than a thieving cousin. It sucks not to be able to trust family with money, but since you don't know for a fact I don't think you go around accusing people over five bucks - consider it a lesson learned and keep your money out of sight should this cousin be at your house again and even make sure your bedroom door is closed so nothing disappears out of there.