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The Importance of Gift Giving
December 7, 2015
My mission is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
-Maya Angelou
-Maya Angelou
In a New York Times article, "A Gift That Gives Right Back? The Giving Itself," Tara Parker-Pope makes these observations...
"Gift giving has long been a favorite subject for studies on human behavior, with psychologists, anthropologists, economists, and marketers all weighing in. They have found that giving gifts is a surprisingly complex and important part of human interaction, helping to define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends. Indeed, psychologists say it is often the giver, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest psychological gains from a gift. Frustrated by crowds, traffic, and commercialism, people can be tempted at this time of year to opt out of gift giving altogether. A 2005 survey showed that four out of five Americans think the holidays are too materialistic, according to the Center for a New American Dream, which promotes responsible consumption.
"But while it's reasonable to cut back on spending during the holidays, psychologists say that banning the gift exchange with loved ones is not the best solution. People who refuse to accept or exchange gifts during the holidays, these experts say, may be missing out on an important connection with family and friends.
"'That doesn't do a service to the relationship,' said Ellen J. Langer, a Harvard psychology professor. 'If I don’t let you give me a gift, then I'm not encouraging you to think about me and think about things I like. I am preventing you from experiencing the joy of engaging in all those activities. You do people a disservice by not giving them the gift of giving.'"
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Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsWestchester Community College
Valhalla, NY, United States
For the last few years I have not participated in gift swaps with my family. I am trying to divest myself of more things that ultimately someone else will have to decide what becomes of them. I don't need or want anything that I can't get for myself. I'm a frugal buyer.
I just finished emptying my aunts' apartment after 40 years. There are other ways to show your family and friends that you love them. Experiences not things-
For ex: I just took my sister to a concert for her birthday. It was a great time and a wonderful memory!
Pennsylvania, United States
I agree with Adrienne. What matters to me is time with the ones I love.
Quincy, MA, United States
I find this concept preposterous; I think of my friends and family and in recent years usually opt to spend time with them around the holidays or give them a homemade gift. I don't see how allowing people to waste money buying me more stuff that I don't need is a disservice to anyone. True loved ones would respect my feelings in this matter and think outside of the consumerism box; the gift of time is the most cherished in my opinion.
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