The Joy of Gift-Giving: A Personal Perspective
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are faced with a dilemma: to give gifts or not to give gifts? For some, the idea of exchanging presents can be a source of stress and financial burden. But for me, it’s a time to show love and appreciation for those around me.
A Family Tradition
Growing up, my family always celebrated the holidays with gifts. It wasn’t just about receiving presents, but also about spending quality time together. As I got older and started earning my own money, I looked forward to participating in the “giving” part of the season. It became a way for me to show my loved ones that I cared about them.
The Intention Behind the Gift
For me, gift-giving is about more than just the price tag. It’s about taking the time to think about what someone would truly appreciate, and finding a way to make it happen. This year, I set a budget for myself and stuck to it, but I didn’t focus on keeping gifts equal in terms of price or quantity. Instead, I listened to what my loved ones had been wanting and tried to find something that would bring them joy.
The Art of Thoughtful Giving
I also made a conscious effort to avoid getting gifts for people who wouldn’t appreciate them. There’s nothing worse than buying something that will only end up collecting dust or being thrown away. By being mindful of my loved ones’ preferences and needs, I was able to give gifts that were truly meaningful.
Breaking Down the Costs
In total, I spent under $300 on gifts for 12 people, including my family members, close friends, and colleagues. Here’s a breakdown of what I got for each person and how much I spent:
- My mother: $54
- My father: $25
- My brother: $18
- My grandfather: $6
- My best friend: $28
- My other close friend: $20
- My boyfriend: $48
- The TFD team: $32
- Grab bag gift for family party: $10
The Value of Gift-Giving
For me, the act of gift-giving is about more than just the financial cost. It’s about showing my loved ones that I care about them and am thinking of them during the holiday season. By being intentional and thoughtful in my gift-giving, I’m able to create meaningful moments and memories that will last long after the holidays are over.
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