“It’s better to give than to receive.”
This idea goes back to biblical times and it’s one we can all support. For, in the giving, we are also receiving the pleasure of knowing we’ve made someone’s day a little brighter. Win-win, yes?
The commercialization of Christmas (and other holidays) has become ridiculous, wouldn’t you say?
People strive to find bigger, more expensive gifts and load their credit cards to the breaking point.
Come January, when the bills roll in, they’ve probably forgotten all they spent and keel over in shock! No wonder it’s such a miserable month.
I would much prefer an inexpensive, meaningful gift, to an extravagant, frivolous one, any day!
For example, something handmade, with love, is the ultimate in thoughtfulness, but not everyone has such talents. Speaking as someone who does not, I cherish those gifts, along with ones that have been carefully selected as specifically personal.
When choosing a gift for someone, try to determine what might bring a smile to their face, preferably, something they likely wouldn’t get for themselves. Case in point, here’s one of the coolest presents hubby and I have received, from our niece and nephew in Italy, while visiting family there in 2018:
This colourful espresso pot set includes two cups, emblazoned with Italian and German flags, symbolizing each of our ethnic origins. How delightful and personal!
Not good with handicrafts but great in the kitchen? Consider making homemade treats. I have a friend who bakes delicious shortbread cookies and presents them in beautiful tins. Can’t do that either?
Floral arrangements and gift baskets make festive presentations. Too expensive? What about the gift of time? Help someone out, volunteer at your local food bank or soup kitchen. There are myriad possibilities.
Whatever you do, don’t be like Sheldon!
I admit to feeling beholden, sometimes, especially when the gift is unexpected, but this is the wrong attitude. We should accept it in the spirit it is given and not obsess over reciprocation. Similarly, when we give something, we should never expect anything in return. It sullies the whole experience!
So, what’s on your gift list?
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Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Postscript: Not everyone enjoys the holidays!
Please be kind and generous to those less fortunate.
Updated Dec. 13, 2021]
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
39 thoughts on “THE ART OF GIVING VS CRASS COMMERCIALISM”
Lovely post Debbie and I agree, it is very commercialised now and whilst it is a time for family I find it a little worrying when I read in the media how some parents are spending 500 or more on as many presents as possible under the tree for their children. It makes me sound like a grinch I know but surely a handful would actually get played with or enjoyed whilst others will end up in a toy box never to be seen again.. Anyway thought provoking post.. Happy Holidays ♥
Thank you, Sally. 🙂 Some people probably go overboard with gifts because they feel guilty for neglecting their loved ones. Material things are poor substitutes for love and affection, but such is life in modern times.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season. All the best for 2023! ?
I got the brilliant and correct assumption that someone on my list is a big fan of a certain music artist. Well, I happen to own the definitive record album of said artist, on vinyl. The album in mint condition. So, the perfect (I hope) gift will cost all of nothing… However, she has no record player, so I had to buy one of those, because without one, all she will have is a picture to look at, on an album cover.
Well, you almost had a free gift there, Myke. 😀 I’m sure your friend will be most appreciative that you added the record player. Thanks for coming by, and Merry Christmas!
Deb, great post and I enjoyed listening to the podcast too. I totally agree on all your points. It tends to get out of hand at a point with gifts. I love home made treats. I used to make cookies and give them too. Now I make my own gift baskets so I can personalize it to each person – plus it’s cheaper to make your own. :). Can you tell me which platform you use to record on? Thanks <3
Thanks, Deb. ? I’ve made gift baskets in the past also, especially as client appreciation gestures. Sadly, no talent for baking, though. Thanks for listening to the podcast! ? Still a little rough, but practice will surely improve the quality. For now, I am using https://anchor.fm to record them, but there are dozens of sites out there.
Thanks Deb. I think that’s what Sally Cronin does. Records on anchor and then you can put it on Soundcloud right?
Yes, I got the idea from Sally. 🙂 You can upload your podcasts to Soundcloud and other places. Anchor automatically shares them to Spotify, Google and more. Have a look at my Podcasts page to see some of the many sites you can upload to:
http://thedogladysden.com/podcast-episodes-hot-off-the-press/
All good points in this lovely post, my friend. I enjoy selecting gifts that show I know the recipient and love them to pieces anyway 😉 So often the simplest gifts bring the most appreciation. For instance, a four-pack of green beans, a box of spicy cornbread mix. The surprise is always good, the laughter is certainly welcome as I know they’ll smile the next time they think of me.
Merry Christmas, Debbie!
Thanks, diedre. 🙂 I agree! Putting thought into a gift makes it more valuable than just spending money. Merry Christmas to you and yours! How are those lovely Labs?
Hi Debbie – so sensible … and I do enjoy trying to find appropriate gifts – just sent fresh narcissi from the Scilly Islands to my family for their home over Christmas … and do what I can to help others … support local organisations, help where I can … etc etc … take care and enjoy this season – as best we can in these times – cheers Hilary
Who doesn’t enjoy the gift of lovely flowers? 🙂 Yes, many organizations need extra support this time of year. We do what we can as well. Thanks, HIlary and Happy Holidays!
Debbie,
I couldn’t agree more it’s better to give than receive not just for Christmas but anytime. I try to avoid commercials and the hype of the holidays. I rather focus on the beauty of the season as I reflect on Christmases past and celebrating Christmas present. My thoughts are with those who have have a difficult time for the holidays and will say a prayer for them. I get it, it’s not a happy time for everyone. Thanks for sharing another wonderful piece from your archives. Sending love and hugs to you, dear friend!
Exactly, Cathy! ? And the hype seems to be getting worse. Christmas stuff shows up on store shelves way before Halloween, nowadays. 😛 Thanks for coming by and sharing your thoughts, my friend. Hugs back! ?
We’ve noticed the same and try to avoid watching the advertisements went we see them on the TV or if we’re in the stores we veer away from that section. There’s not sense in hurrying the holidays right along unnecessarily. That takes away from the specialness of the seasons. There’s a place and time for everything. Speaking of time, it gets away from already too fast so let’s not let retailers speed the process up anymore.
Laurie always gets me the best gifts- a gift card to Amazon with which I raid the bookshelves. The kids get me beer and sports paraphernalia, which is also good. And thanks to the squiggly line, I know know that Paraphernalia has an R and 4 As, which I was unaware of.
Gift cards are always a good choice. 🙂 It sounds like your kids know exactly what you want; also good! And, three cheers for Spellcheck. Merry Christmas, Chris!
IMO, the spirit of Christmas is giving. I don’t expect gifts for Christmas even though my hubby likes to surprise me. As we grow older, we’re not into giving gifts to each other plus we buy what we want and when we want it all year.
Good point about buying what you need when you need it! 🙂 Hubby and I still like to exchange Christmas gifts, but it’s more about the ritual than anything else, not spending a lot of money. Thanks for coming by, Eugenia and Happy Holidays!
So true. I never want anything for Christmas, but I do take care of my family and all the service providers that take care of me all year long. There are so many things that we can do. Food banks and other donations. It’s a blessing to give.
Have a fabulous day and week, Debbie. Big hug. ♥
How great that you remember the service providers, Sandee! 🙂 I was always thrilled when one of my clients gave me a tip, but that was a rare occurrence. Giving is its own reward and we do what we can. Thanks for coming by. Hugs back!
I discovered that I am not the only one who feels that terrible gift guilt, when someone had gone to great trouble to find you NEARLY what you wanted. I cherish the thought from the giver, but I’m in a quandary what to do with the gift, as I hate wasted resources. Dilemma!
Happy New Year, Jemima! 🙂 I suppose there is always the regifting option. Just make sure it’s not somebody near and dear to the original giver. Would be a little awkward, yes? 😀 Thanks for dropping in.
Oh that percolator is a great idea and the thoughtful mugs really make it a fantastic gift. I’m learning to accept gifts gracefully, without feeling pressured to reciprocate.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Debbie and wish both of you the happiest of times in 2019.
We loved that thoughtful gift, but I too had a moment of regret for not reciprocating. We made up for it in other ways, though. 🙂 Thanks so much for your good wishes, Corinne. ♥ I read about your difficult times and am so sorry for all the sadness and loss you went through. May 2019 be a happy and healthy year for you and your family! Thanks for coming by!
The joy of the gift is in the giving. I got down to my last one today, and it required my first and only trip to the mall. Parking was so much fun… Once inside, I made a somewhat straight line, with only one… two errant turns, and found myself at the counter of American Eagle Outfitters, a clothes store, where I placed a stand of gift cards on the counter, and said to the proprietress, “I would like one that is valued at fifty dollars.” She informed me, she would have to put the amount on the card, at her register… Did I feel silly, or what?
Merry Christmas up there in Canada, Debbie.
Yes, giving is definitely its own reward. 🙂 The mall must have been a madhouse, today! I bet you had “fun” finding a parking spot. Cute story! I finished early in the month and did most of my shopping online. Gotta love that Amazon prime with their free and quick deliveries! 😀 Merry Christmas to you, too. Cheers!
Dear Debbie,
This is such a heart-warming post and so very relevant given the times.
It’s unfortunate that more and more people these days are driven and enticed by the marketing gimmicks of the holiday season.
Gifts that carry emotions, personal touch are far more valuable than those stacked alluringly with astronomical prizes at the store. A hand made gift is so much more valuable than anything else.
My ten-year old has made these gorgeous little snow men for us and I feel those are the best X’mas gifts for us.
We usually gift our children books and candies, or simple things of value, that have our personal touch. We rather believe in having a good time and living up to the festive cheer. We like to spread some joy to the homeless on the streets including the stray dogs-they are in plenty here. So we carry some sandwiches, fruits and goodies and also stuff like clothes we no longer need for the homeless. And we get the dogs some treats and food that will last them a while, by donating to the shelters. That is what makes our Xmas more special than anything else.
I love that thoughtful gift from your nephew and niece.
Happy Holidays and a Dazzling New 2019!
Enjoy. Much love and yes, do stay warm. <3
https://natashamusing.com/2018/12/of-idyllic-afternoons-and-boat-rides-wordless-wednesday-natasha-musing/
Your comment is equally heart-warming, Natasha. I love that you help the homeless and feed the stray dogs! ♥ You are teaching your children the true joy of giving. Thank you for coming by. Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays too!
Debbie,
The mere mention of shortbread cookies sent my mind off to heaven. I love home-baked goodies!! Shortbread isn’t difficult to make at all. I think you’re being overly modest. I betcha can whiff up your own just fine. 🙂 I’d like to make some but I’m not sure if I’ll have time. Perhaps, I can make them for New Year’s eve. 😉 I’m with you on the gift giving. I prefer meaningful to expensive presents any day. We lost our way as a society to treat the season with reverence and respectful for the Christ child. Have a joyful Christmas, dear friend.
Hi Cathy; I actually have made shortbread cookies before, but, I’m just not that domestically inclined and would rather be doing something else. 😉 Not all of us are Christians, so we celebrate the holidays for different reasons, but it’s certainly true that commercialism has overtaken the true spirit of giving, which is sad. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. ♥ I know how busy you must be! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Debbie,
True not everyone is a Christian who celebrates Christmas but you know a good heart when you see it by the way a person shows respect for the season. Cooking/baking isn’t for everyone. 🙂 Have a blessed day, my friend! XO
Thanks, Cathy; The season means different things to different people. My pagan German ancestors invented many of the traditions that are now associated with Christmas. The decorated tree and candles, for example. For us, it’s a “Winter Solstice Festival of Lights” celebration, that goes back before Christianity. 🙂 Respect for each other’s traditions, beliefs, etc. makes for a more peaceful world. ☮ ❣ Have a good weekend!
Debbie,
You’re right many pagan symbols are incorporated into the Christian Christmas but I those symbols respectfully represent elements of our faith. 🙂 You’re also right about respecting other traditions even when different from your own. That promotes harmony in a diverse world. Peace & love to you for a happy holiday, my friend! ?
Many symbols have multiple connotations spanning different beliefs.
https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/christmas-symbols-are-eye-beholder
It’s all good. 🙂 Cheers!
Giving is right up my ally
That’s wonderful, Dora! 🙂 Thanks for coming by.
With my retirement income I haven’t been able to afford gift-giving and my wife and kids understand that. My wife has already said that she was going to give me some gifts, but it will be necessary things like underwear and such. We have reached a stage where we don’t want to add more clutter in the way of frivolities and unneeded items. Maybe in the future I’ll start giving away some of the stuff that I own and treasure. Or maybe no one cares about that stuff.
Oh well, shopping is not even on my list of things to do for this season–other than grocery shopping which I do every week. It probably won’t seem much like Christmas at our house which is fine. AS long as my kids and their kids have a good Christmas then that’s okay by me.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Gifts don’t have to be expensive or even cost any money at all! As I mentioned, the gift of time is always appreciated. Here’s hoping you and your wife will get to spend some, together. I know what you mean about all the clutter gathered over the years, but there must be some treasures in there. Thanks for dropping in, Lee. Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year!