5 days to go…
Sensing little time left before Christmas, one is time-pressed to rather complete the season’s requisites. Other than the thought of what to serve for a Christmas feast, gift-giving remains to be one if not the most joyful observed custom. It is after all an expression of what Christmas is all about – Giving. Thus, people are keen on conveying momentous bounty this time of the year.
Speaking of which, whatever it is that’s given is secondary compared to the generosity behind it. If such gesture though is carried out just to express “giving” sans sincerity, it defeats the purpose. “It’s the thought that counts” is not to be believed as conscientious of the idea of giving but the consideration of what could possibly be either appreciated or needed – that’s thoughtful liberality as opposed to “as long as I’ve given something”. On the other hand, recipients have to be more thankful of the thought regardless of what it is (unless perhaps it was mockingly given to elicit disgust).
Gifts do not have to be something bought (and expensive at that) or anything tangible. A good deed could be it as long as it’s from the heart. Realistically though, we prefer something materially useful or personally fulfilling. Seemingly overlooked is the effect of our appreciation for the provider. Most often than not, discontentment over a received gift is rather subject (to thought-to-oneself) of a criticism as to how shoddy the donor is. Thus, receiving of gifts becomes a gauge of a benefactor’s philanthropy and even sense of taste. Consequently for gift-givers, gift-giving focuses and compels to impress making the process a thought for image building other than kindness.
This Christmas, in as much as I would like to give-in to my 8-year old daughter’s wish, I thought I’d explain the value behind gift-giving as well as the practicality of what is to be asked and what is to be afforded… She was sensitive enough to empathize and rather suggested to just surprise her with “something nice that’s not boring” when asked of her 2nd choice. As good-hearted and understanding as she is, she deserves what she really likes… I will reevaluate my holiday expenditure and my already-allocated finances if that would be possible… Then mayb
e… Hopefully… After all, their happiness is an essential factor in addressing what I want this Christmas… with a manifestation of fulfillment is a smile showing my 2 front teeth…
Sensing little time left before Christmas, one is time-pressed to rather complete the season’s requisites. Other than the thought of what to serve for a Christmas feast, gift-giving remains to be one if not the most joyful observed custom. It is after all an expression of what Christmas is all about – Giving. Thus, people are keen on conveying momentous bounty this time of the year.
Speaking of which, whatever it is that’s given is secondary compared to the generosity behind it. If such gesture though is carried out just to express “giving” sans sincerity, it defeats the purpose. “It’s the thought that counts” is not to be believed as conscientious of the idea of giving but the consideration of what could possibly be either appreciated or needed – that’s thoughtful liberality as opposed to “as long as I’ve given something”. On the other hand, recipients have to be more thankful of the thought regardless of what it is (unless perhaps it was mockingly given to elicit disgust).
Gifts do not have to be something bought (and expensive at that) or anything tangible. A good deed could be it as long as it’s from the heart. Realistically though, we prefer something materially useful or personally fulfilling. Seemingly overlooked is the effect of our appreciation for the provider. Most often than not, discontentment over a received gift is rather subject (to thought-to-oneself) of a criticism as to how shoddy the donor is. Thus, receiving of gifts becomes a gauge of a benefactor’s philanthropy and even sense of taste. Consequently for gift-givers, gift-giving focuses and compels to impress making the process a thought for image building other than kindness.
This Christmas, in as much as I would like to give-in to my 8-year old daughter’s wish, I thought I’d explain the value behind gift-giving as well as the practicality of what is to be asked and what is to be afforded… She was sensitive enough to empathize and rather suggested to just surprise her with “something nice that’s not boring” when asked of her 2nd choice. As good-hearted and understanding as she is, she deserves what she really likes… I will reevaluate my holiday expenditure and my already-allocated finances if that would be possible… Then mayb
e… Hopefully… After all, their happiness is an essential factor in addressing what I want this Christmas… with a manifestation of fulfillment is a smile showing my 2 front teeth…