I have a September birthday and celebrate Christmas, which means that every year without fail I get intense present cravings around March—when both occasions are very far away. I want a new cell phone, a pretty purse, a set of DVDs, and by the time Christmas and/or my birthday rolls around, I've either forgotten about said cravings or (more likely) cracked and bought the items for myself.
Like our article on
gift inflation said, Christmas these days seems more about pressure than presents—at least not presents that we love. To correct this problem, my family and I have taken a more laid-back approach for the past several years. (Also, all the kids in the family have grown up, so there's no longer any childlike wonder to preserve.)
We still exchange some presents on Christmas—clothing, small gift certificates, books, whatever—but we put the emphasis on treating each other throughout the year. If I need some extra money to cover my rent, my parents will help me out, regardless of the calendar. And if I see the perfect present in March, I'm not going to wait six months to give it to them. One of the best presents I ever gave my Mom was a silver and gold watch I bought her on a whim one February.
So, are Christmas presents the be all and end all? Or do you agree that it's best to spread out the love?Image Source
Comments (9)
We can and do, but it's not stressed as much as presents for certain occasions are. If someone gives me gas money, that's a gift because if I say I can or will drive them somewhere, I don't expect to be paid in any way. If someone buys me a coffee, that's a gift. If someone gets me something I really, really need or really, really want, no matter what time of year it is, it's a gift and it does happen. It may not fall on a holiday or special event, but it's a gift that doesn't have to be given nonetheless. We acknowledge them more as favours or things we anticipate to pay back later, but I still categorize them as gifts.
A lot of times, people do spread the love. The little day to day things do add up. Christmas seems to be a culmination where people just end the year with a bang.
if we gave presents all year round, then our national debt would be somewhere in the quadrillions.
even though it's probably headed there anyway. :P
I give gifts all year long. We also give gifts on Christmas and New Years. My boys love it.
That's what we do, too, especially since my children are small (2 1/2 and 3 1/2) and really don't know the difference (though they do know who Santa is!) at this point in time. For Christmas, I'm knitting them some hats and sweaters, and a couple of little toys. I also bought a couple of books and a couple of $1 toys from Walmart and Target. I think it's important to celebrate little things. Our focus around the holidays is on good food and other traditions - not on gifts. :)
I understand where you were going with this, but it bothers me a bit that the title is about giving presents all year and the first paragraph is about receiving presents all year.
Someone just asked me tonight what I got for my husband for Christmas. I explained that we dont exchange gifts at all for Christmas or birthdays. We treat ourselves throughout the year to things that we really want. (We are in a position now that we do have expendable cash to treat ourselves when there is something we really want, so it isnt a big deal.) Originally, our big plans for next year was the month of September in Europe (we have been planing for over 2 years now). But with my intent to return to school, that wont be possible. Instead, we are talking about a long weekend in Iceland.
I have a friend who lives in Germany whose birthday is also in December. I send her a box in May/June. The lines at the post office arent nearly as long. She loves getting something another time of year. It really works out for everyone!
I do think it is a fantastic idea to move the Christmas emphasis to setting aside time to simply spend together.
@cornyonacob@xanga - The problem is that people over spend. I buy gifts all year round. Sometimes I save them for several months before I actually give them. That way I still give great gifts but dont have to spend nearly as much money. Sadly, many people think that is about how much you spent on the gift rather than what you actually got. (My Christmas gift from the Christmas exchange was inexpensive - I know because I picked it out. But I couldnt be happier because it is exactly what I wanted!)
My boyfriend and I give each other gifts the whole year round =)
personally i dont think love=giving gifts and vice versa. its not a measure or definition of love and just because you give gifts doesnt mean you love that person and just because you dont give gifts doesnt mean you dont love that person although i wouldnt be able to give gifts all year round. im not filthy rich.
I am definitely the type to get my loved ones presents whenever the mood strikes me. I think they appreciate it more when they find out there's something awesome waiting for them at home on a random day.
i think i dont agree. heh