Gift-giving is LOVE
Many
youths would prefer “material items” as gifts for Christmas as shown in a
survey by the Social Weather Station. This preference was nearly 50 percent of
the respondents’ choice compared to a measly two percent for “family
togetherness” as a gift.
But to qualify qualitatively, material
items decay but not familial togetherness or affirming family bond which goes
generation by generation. A gadget like cellphones can be bought anytime but
not one cannot just throw family union outdoors. From the family we get
belongingness, affection, protection, and survival. Of course, we need material
items but these could only be temporal unlike social bonding which is more
lasting.
People give material gifts to make us
happy of our wants or needs but the non-material aspect , which is family
togetherness, is far more reaching in social relationship. Better in
togetherness we extend material gifts out of love. Of course, the youths or the
kids would want material items, including cash, as gifts during Christmas Day
but these are given out of love. If it is out of love and it will further
strengthen social bonding, then the material and non-material aspects are fine
blending… but not as an obsession to acquire the material things to selfishly
satisfy oneself.
There are wonders in giving material
items as gifts. For one, it must be usable. If one can afford,, a computer set
or laptop unit with internet connection is functional, especially for studies
and research and as a communication tool, and that could also be used by the
whole family. But of course, there must be a fund sourcing for maintenance and
operation of such device. What we mean is a gift that is long lasting and very
useful and functional. Of course, this depends on affordability.
There are choices in giving material
items as gifts so long as these are meant to be useful. Surely, kids love toys
but these items can be bought with a learning process in it. These items would
make the receivers think that they are loved and are given attention by the givers.
Loving is non-material and giving can come in the form of material aspect and
could be reciprocated by non-material gesture such as respect and appreciation
borne out of gift-giving.
So folks, this Christmas season learn
how to blend the material and non-material nature of the occasion. Giving
material items is a token of love and the receiver is reminded that they are
being loved and not just for the sake of tradition of buying gifts.
Remember, the greatest gift of all is
always LOVE. This is especially true among families of close-knit relationship.
Enjoy the season folks!
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