Christmas is the ultimate in gift-giving occasions. It is the time of the year that families play the role of Santa and express their love using gifts. The gifts are chosen from the recipient’s favoruite items, season greeting cards, bouquets, chocolates, travel packages, or even mere service acts. People go all out to impress their loved ones. The effort put into gifting is to the extent that people save to spend during this season. People have tried to minimize spending during this period, but it has always been a hurdle.
The traditions and culture surrounding Christmas always necessitate spending. The travels, family gatherings, and feasting cannot give you a moment to breathe. You would not want to be labeled as the mean and stingy family member, would you? Let loose and enjoy the holiday but always remember to be responsible.
The spirit of gifting should carry through the year during holidays and special days for the country, individuals, and family. There are numerous globally recognized holidays that are also gift-giving occasions and opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. The days are mostly based on traditions or religion. Though some do not have a clear origin, their value is felt and seen in society. Here are a few holidays which are also gift-giving occasions.
Valentine’s Day
The 14th of February, cupid’s day. Do you usually gift your partner on Valentine’s day? It is a day that has been given the label as a day for the couples. Take time out of your busy schedules to spend and reconnect with your partner. Have a surprise element for the day and make it extra special. It, however, does not discredit other days as such to express love. Always find ways to express your love in different ways.
Thanksgiving
When you picture a whole meal turkey, which holiday comes to mind? Thanksgiving!
Even though thanksgiving should be a daily affair, thanksgiving is a day of gratitude to appreciate how far the year has gone. The fourth Thursday of November every year is when people make merry and say appreciative words to others.
Easter holidays
It is the time of the Easter bunnies. The time Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a weekend-long holiday that the religious people engage in to take stock and refocus on their faith in Jesus. The gifts during this holiday are on a low, but people meet and have fun dining together.
Anniversaries
It is stereotypical that the men forget these memorable days and gift-giving occasions: wedding, engagement, business, and company anniversaries. These are important days that signify progress and hope. Days that you get to look back, give thanks, and strategize for the future. Days that should be marked a special occasion by a gift that will remind you of the origin but leave you with a desire for the future.
Business and companies mostly celebrate their anniversaries by giving sales and discounts. They show customers how much they are valued. In turn, it promotes the customers’ inclusivity in the business. The deals also act as a marketing ploy for companies. And, what better way to mark your anniversary than growth and loyalty?
Birthdays
Everyone has a birthday. Whether or not you choose to celebrate it, that is a personal choice. It is a common practice that people celebrate their birthdays with their loved ones right from their first birthday. Parents put in efforts to commemorate their children’s first birthday even though the honored guest does not know much about the day.
Parties are set with the best décor in town to ensure that the celebrations are the city’s talk. Guests make an effort to walk with a gift bag for the celebrant. Teenagers, in particular, tend to mark the 16th and 18th birthdays in style. They are essential dates as they celebrate milestone years in their lives. They signify coming of age as they can be considered as adults in society. They set up huge parties and invite their friends to celebrate. Parents are not left behind; they prepare significant gifts and go all out to impress their children.
Graduations
Graduations are a celebration of a job well done. They signify a beautiful end to a tiresome journey of hard work and sweat. Family and friends send congratulation flowers during the period to express the joy and pride that they have. Monetary and souvenir gifts are given to mark the transition and success of one phase of life.
Showers
It is a common trend that mothers are given surprise baby showers where people wine and dine. Family and friends team up together to usher the newborn in style. They provide gifts for the mother and newborn. They also offer pieces of advice to help the mother during and after childbirth.
Bridal showers have been the norm for quite a while. It is when the bride will make merry as a bachelorette for the last time. Friends make merry and sometimes offer unsolicited advice to the bride.
In this modern-day, men have also stepped up, and some prepare ‘daddy showers’ for their friends to usher them into fatherhood. Genius? Maybe. One thing is assured, though, the parenthood journey needs all the support it can get. They get gifts and directions on how best to maneuver the parenthood journey. Most women will agree that this should quickly catch on in society as it has a substantial gift essence in it.
Eid
Muslims have two Eids: Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Eid ul Fitr comes right after the holy month of Ramadan. It is the culmination of the beliefs and the acts of charity of Ramadan. It is a time to look back and give thanks for the blessings of Allah while being charitable. It emphasizes sharing as a virtue, the gift that keeps on giving. Eid ul Adha is marked at the end of the month of Hajj. The gist of the celebration is to remember the first lesson of sacrifice by Abraham.
Similarly, Islams emulate and embrace that practice by sharing the same empathy and love. They extend the love beyond borders to the poor and less fortunate. It is important to note that the Islamic lunar calendar determines their dates.
Holi
Does the name Holi ring a bell for you? When you think about Holi, spring and colours flood your mind. It is the festival of colors—an Indian festival full of colours, love, and of course, joy. The fun of this holiday is in the childlike color fights in which everybody is involved. The laughter and joy shared by the people are evident on their faces. It is said that priceless gifts are not tangible. The smiles and memories created by Holi is an example of such gifts.
In contrast, Diwali is the festival of light. It is celebrated over five days, where Indians light up fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Which festival is complete without a feast? They set up dinners with family, and it becomes a gift galore. They exchange gifts and honor their goddess of wealth. The Indian calendar determines the two-holiday dates. Thus, the dates often shift per their calendar.
Can the Year End Without the Joys of Santa?
What was your favorite Christmas tradition? Christmas is widely celebrated around the planet. Though its principles are anchored in Christianity, the joys are shared across boards. The season coupled with the New Year’s celebrations, makes the last two weeks of the year worth looking forward to. Fantasy tales about Santa have created the giving tradition during these holidays. Boxing Day – the day after Christmas. This day’s origin has been credited to various sources, but the bottom line is: it is the season of giving.
People, especially kids, look forward to receiving numerous gifts of their favorite or promised items. Their parents have blackmailed some children during the year to maintain their hope for gifts at Christmas. It presents a win-win situation for the parents as they contain the children and maintain good behavior.
Have You Depleted Your Gifting Ideas?
Depleting cannot be an option in the gifting world. Each relationship based on love and friendship is conditioned differently. People use different love languages.
Five love languages will guide you on how best to gift your partner or friend.
- Acts of service
- Words of affirmation
- Physical touch
- Time
- Gifts
Armed with this information, a list of the favourite items and places makes it impossible to be clueless about getting a gift for anyone, no matter which of the above gift-giving occasions you choose to mark.
Are You Still Not Convinced?
Although there are plenty of gift-giving occassions to honour, you do not need a special occasion to shop for a gift for a loved one. Each new day is a gift to humankind. Seize the opportunity of showing your love every day by surprising them with something small. A simple statement of ‘I love you,’ ‘Thank you,’ or Let me help you’ can be the push and smile they need for the day.
Gifts are a symbol of love and joy. They keep friends and families closer to your heart. Be sure to observe and be keen to find out what your loved ones desire this year. Have intent in your giving this year.
Which of the above gift-giving occassions do you celebrate in your life?
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