Gifts. When I think of gifts, I think of birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and all those occasions that involve gifts. What is a gift? It is defined as "something bestowed voluntarily and without compensation."
People always ask me why I don't like gifts. I feel as though when gifts are given, they are given because they have to be given. "Oh! I have no idea what to get her for Christmas! Help!" or "It's his birthday next week...I have to go find something." There are even websites on "gifts for her, him, boyfriend, girlfriend, mother, father, sister, brother, friend, grandma, etc."
That's what I don't like about gifts. It's become not so much a voluntary act, but rather, an obligation. What happened to "it's the thought that counts?"
I don't think there's anything wrong with gift-giving. I love the idea of gifts; I just think perhaps people should think about the idea.
Today, I spent some time to myself, which I tend to do quite often. While, I wandered around some shops, something struck my eye. I saw something that was perfect for someone that I know and care a lot about. I got it without thinking. No birthday, no occasion. I just really wanted to. Something to make this person's day, to bring some excitement, to show I was thinking of this friend.
Whether it's a cake, a shirt, a necklace, a letter, or a hug, it shouldn't have to be by occasion. It should be an urge, spontaneity. Thinking back to some of my favorite gifts, the ones I will never forget are the hugs from my friends, SS, SM, and JT, when I was down, the blog my older sister wrote me for Christmas, the letter BB wrote me, the advice my mom had for me, the hand warmers SS gave me :), just the love and care behind it all.
Of all I have received the best gift has been my older sister's presence over this Christmas break, her just spending time with me and getting to know me after seven years of not really seeing or knowing each other. She didn't have to be here; she has a house. It was by far the best Christmas break I could have asked for. When she left, she gave me a hug. I cried. Never have I ever had such trouble parting--she gave me more than her presence while she was here. I was lost in a haze for years, and she gave me hope, focus, company, friendship, but more importantly, love.
Thomas รก Kempis once said "a wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver." It's true. The value of gifts diminish to nothing, regardless of whether the cost was $5 or $100, if it is not given voluntarily, with love.
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