What's in a gift?
Nearly a month has passed since Christmas and those unwanted presents are still kicking around the house.
You don’t feel comfortable getting rid of them, even though you’ve known ever since ripping off the wrapping that you’ll probably never find a use for them.
Perhaps you can take comfort in the knowledge that you’re not alone in hoarding these awkward and useless items.
71 percent of Australians would have received unwanted presents this Christmas - around 20.6 million gifts - according to New Galaxy’s research.
So why are we receiving so many unwanted presents? Is it the fault of the givers or the receivers?
From a third kettle, to a t-shirt from a band you’ve never heard of, it seems that some gifts are not quite what they used to be.
19 year old me was fortunate enough to receive a rattle from my Aunty.
Yes, the baby’s toy.
No, I do not have children, nor do I have any intentions to.
Giving gifts is one of the oldest traditions of mankind. But somewhere along the way we’ve lost the meaning of giving. It started as a symbol of love and affection.
Yet it seems that not all givers are still making the effort to attach meaning and value to their gift.
If there isn’t much thought behind a gift, and you give something that you know would likely be unappreciated, what’s the point of giving anything?
Even if it’s only given out of obligation, the original purpose remains - to give a token from you, which you hope (within reason) that they will like and appreciate.
On the topic of appreciation, the givers aren’t necessarily to blame. Many people do continue to value the sentiment of gift giving. It seems that we’ve also lost the meaning of receiving.
Probably fearing that hideous teapot warmer, or a vase that doesn’t match their colour scheme, sometimes recipients sabotage the meaning of a gift.
Receivers commercialise the gesture of giving, particularly with the wedding gift - the ultimate gift, abandoning its meaning. Instead of allowing guests to select their own present, couples dictate gift lists, instructing what they are to receive.
Or even worse – the invitation states the new ‘We would appreciate a contribution to our honeymoon/lives’ followed by bank account details. Ok, so basically buy a ticket to your wedding?
Where is the sentiment in transferring a number on a screen upon request?
We’ve become so occupied with having the ideal everything that it’s clouded our understanding of the concept of gifts. We’re sacrificing thoughtful reminders and mementos from the people special to us for a higher bank account figure.
A gift isn’t about giving anything to get the job done, and it isn’t about profiting. A gift is about the expression of affection and appreciation – from both parties.
