About Gifts and Giving

The time of getting and giving presents has come again. Some people may sigh, “Socks again!” or “Another tie?!”, being frustrated about the gift exchange idea, and/or the anticipated item they will be given.

Are you one of those persons? Perhaps, the reason of such frustration is you, not the gifter or the gifts you get.

A lady I know, used to bring me a bar of white chocolate every time we met. The white chocolate gifting lasted long, for about a year. I had no idea why she was giving me it again and again. Finally, I asked her about that. Her answer was, “You like it best, don’t you?” 

I found her thoughtfulness wonderful. She believed I loved that treat so she made an effort to get that type of chocolate. Just to please me and make me happy!  Finally, I got it, and I appreciated it a lot. Both the gift and her intention.

It did not matter that the lady’s assumption was not exactly correct. Actually, I do not know where she took the “white chocolate idea” from. 

It is the intention beyond the gift that matters, not the gift itself. We might never know what made somebody think we would like the item they have for us. Perhaps, this is what they would like to get? We may not understand another person’s mindset regarding the choice of presents. Nevertheless, what we can do is shift our perspective. From the gift to the intention beyond it, and to the exchange of good feelings. The good energy we give each other is often very much underestimated/lost in the process. If you feel upset about the present you are getting, it is because you choose to feel and see things in that certain way. Choose differently! 

Stay positive and enjoy the holiday season!

Some people do not like getting cash. They take it as an impersonal attitude of the one who is giving it. Again, change your perspective. Perhaps, the giver wishes to avoid buying you what you do not like? Or is it what hurts, is knowing how much money that somebody intends to spend on the gift for you? Shift your focus! From your ego and from what it is telling you, to the entire occasion and the offering aspect. Well, if you still do not like the cash, send it to me (joking of course).

You may say, “I cannot afford to buy presents/ I have nothing to give to others”. You could not be more wrong. Material gifts are just a symbol of something else. A smile, kind word, a helping hand cost nothing, but can make a difference and turn someone’s dark moment into a lighter and easier one. In that meaning, each of us is full of gifts which are priceless. Give them to others every day, not only at Christmas.

Merry Christmas from the Bobos!