The Art of Gift Giving: Center of Holidays
Written by: Ashley Budiman
Everyone loves gifts. Some people enjoy receiving gifts, while others enjoy giving them. It is a practice that many individuals have engaged in for a variety of reasons over the years. From greeting cards to designer bags, whether you gift a coffee mug to your neighbor on their birthday or plan a trip for your romantic partner, the act of giving and receiving gifts has been and will always be a tradition instilled in our minds. But do you wonder why giving gifts is so important that it is even a central part of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other holidays?
Let's start with a question: why would people give away something valuable when they can use it themselves? Gifts serve a variety of purposes; it is far more than a mere exchange of material possessions; it is a complex psychological process. They can convey our feelings towards others, allowing us to express appreciation, gratitude, apologies, and even love. While the act of giving is primarily focused on the recipient, research has shown that it also has considerable psychological advantages for the giver. Giving gifts provides a sense of purpose and can enhance one’s self-esteem and self-worth.
By carefully selecting a gift, we show that we have taken the time and effort to understand our recipient’s interests, preferences, and desires. This act of thoughtfulness strengthens emotional bonds, deepens relationships, and fosters a sense of connection between the giver and receiver, as it can touch one’s heart. Gifts were also used as a symbol of peace, such as when France presented the Statue of Liberty to America in 1884 to commemorate their alliance.
Certain holidays have traditions of giving specific gifts. For example, on Valentine’s Day, chocolate is given as a token of love or affection, whereas during Chinese New Year, hongbao (or red packets) are given from the older generation to the younger generation to convey good wishes, good luck, and prosperity for the year ahead.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without gifts! However, unlike the other holidays, you have the freedom to gift anything on Christmas. This holiday was significantly influenced by the story of the three wise men who brought gifts for baby Jesus. Christmas presents allow us to surprise and delight those we love and care about. Finding the perfect gift and watching the recipient’s happy face as they unwrap their gift brings joy to many as well. These gifts can be as big as a car or something small like a pair of hair clips. After all, as the saying goes, ‘It’s the thought that counts!’
Sources:
Moolchandani, V. (2023, May 24). The psychology behind gift giving: Unpacking the power of thoughtful gestures. Times of India Blog. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/the-psychology-behind-gift-giving-unpacking-the-power-of-thoughtful-gestures/
Colwell, C., & Us, C. (2023, December 13). Why Do We Give Gifts? An Anthropologist Explains This Ancient Human Behavior. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-give-gifts-an-anthropologist-explains-this-ancient-human-behavior/
The Psychology of Gift Giving. (n.d.). Activity Superstore. https://www.activitysuperstore.com/blog/psychology-of-gift-giving#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20gift%20giving&text=Researchers%20believe%20that%20cavemen%20gave,became%20more%20elaborate%20and%20decorative.
Painter, S. (2023, May 3). Why Do We Give Presents at Christmas? Historical Traditions. LoveToKnow. https://www.lovetoknow.com/celebrations/christmas/why-do-we-give-presents-at-christmas