I try to not leave Christmas shopping until the last minute, but I usually do anyway. Some people are difficult to shop for. I know I am one of them. There are other people who are difficult to shop for and remain within a budget. There are others who are members of my (extended) family whom I have no choice, but to admit that I barely know them. I eat Sunday dinner with them at my parents' house. I have gone to Baptisms, Holy Communions and Confirmations and usually given money as gifts.
Particularly when I was younger, I appreciated receiving money as gifts. I got to buy my own things with it and I knew I would like the things. As an adult, I have been guilty of taking the easy option and giving a card with money in it. It finally occurred to me what I am saying when I give cash. I am saying that I don't really know the recipient very well.
At least when I have given a gift card to a store that carries a specific type of merchandise, I am saying that I may not know exactly what you want, but I know you're into clothes, electronic gadgets, musical instruments or food. Giving cash says that I don't know anything about the recipient. I am just giving something because I am supposed to give something and don't want to give something entirely incorrect for the occasion. It's really odd to examine how my perceptions have changed. I used to appreciate the monetary gifts more than the material gifts. Now I am embarrassed to give money as a gift because it means admitting to myself that I don't know the recipient as well as I should.
Even though I may not know the recipient as well as I should, I don't want to "get it wrong". Giving money may not be exactly right, but I also know it's not going to be wrong.I guess there are worse things.
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