So I was recently talking to my sister-in-law, and I made the comment, "I'm kinda an anti-gift person." She probably thought I was crazy! I'm going to be honest, gift giving is something in my life, that is a constant battle.
You are probably thinking I am crazy now too! Here's the deal... I love giving gifts....when necessary, or when I feel it in my heart. I feel like gift giving, nowadays, is a little out of control. Why are there moments when you feel obligated to give gifts?
Where did gift giving originate from?
Well, Jeremy and I were talking about this, and we believe it originated from the 3 Wise Men. So, that would be why we practice gift giving at Christmas and Birthdays. But what about all of these other holidays? Every holiday has turned into gift giving mania.
What holidays should we give gifts for?
What happened to having a holiday just to celebrate with family and friends?!?!? Thanksgiving and Fourth of July are a few of the only holidays that are known as non gift giving holidays anymore. And to make matters worse, it seems like new holidays keep getting created, and gifts are suggested. Like "Sweetest Day"....I'm sorry, but I think it's a totally bunk holiday. We already have Valentine's Day. So why have so many holidays turned into "gift giving" holidays??? Why do you think? What holidays do you think we should give gifts for?
What is the meaning behind the gift?
I am a very strong believer that meaningful gifts and/or moments are the best gifts ever! I would much rather spend meaningful time with those I love than receive ANY gifts at all! It just seems like so many times, gifts come and go...but memories stay with you forever. I don't know, I just may be a little old fashioned or something, but that is how I feel.
Is there such a thing as gift giving ettiquette?
Actually, YES! There are so many websites and articles about this subject that I didn't know where to start. There are actually so many variations that I didn't really know what was accurate. So, that brings me to my next few questions?
Is it appropriate to bring more than 1 gift to a birthday party?
What is the appropriate amount of gifts to give at Christmas?
What is your gift-giving role as a Parent? Grandparent? Aunt or Uncle? Friend? (to a child)
I never had any "gift giving" issues...until I had children of my own. I want my children to appreciate each and every gift they are given. I am sure all of you other parents can testify to this, but there are times that some gifts are given, and my daughters hardly touch them. They end up just taking up space. It's not that they don't like them. It's just that sometimes they receive so many gifts, they simply just don't get around to sharing their time between all of these gifts.
Have you ever thought about taking a "Gift Vacation" during one of your holidays? Well, Jeremy and I have seriously talked about taking a "gift vacation" during Christmas one year, when the girls are old enough to understand, and letting them learn the full meaning behind the holiday!
So the question remains, to gift or not to gift??? Please leave your comments on this subject. I am sure you all have your own opinions about this!
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