xFinding Gift Ideas: Why Do We Give?Finding creative gift ideas can be a real challenge. For many, the fact that Christmas has passed and another season of having to think of something to exchange with friends, loved ones, and co-workers is over is a welcome relief. If that’s you, enjoy your brief respite because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and probably an assortment of birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries to boot, which means coming up with a whole year's worth of gift ideas.
Gift Giving and Gift Ideas Abound Around the World
Giving gifts is a cultural practice ingrained in all of us across cultural boundaries, rooted in centuries of custom and tradition. We would no sooner show up to certain celebratory events without a gift than we would sit down and eat soup with our hands. Such is the power of tradition. There are even special guide that tell us appropriate gift ideas for anywhere in the world.
No matter what culture you came from, gift giving is a time-honored tradition. Archaeologists have unearthed evidences from ancient cultures across the globe that show the practice of gift giving. Whether it was a token of respect being offered to some ancient monarch or a sacrificial offering put forth to some pagan deity, the offering of gifts has been a sign of respect for thousands of years.
Gift Giving and Gift Ideas Are Steeped In History
In our oldest literature, we see examples of gift giving. Of course, the Bible provides numerous examples from the temple sacrifices in Mosaic Law to the wise men bearing gifts at Jesus’ birth. In epic literature such as Beowulf and King Arthur, it was customary for the thanes and knights to bestow gifts of respect upon their monarchs. In return, after battles won, the monarchs would grant a portion of any captured treasure upon their loyal warriors. Because nothing says "thanks for wiping out our enemies" like a small pile of treasure and a silver gravy boat.
How those traditions morphed into "Secret Santa" gifts and the variety of gift giving opportunities we have today is a long process. To be sure, it's part of our DNA to be constantly thinking about gift ideas.As the year goes on, and birthdays and celebratory occasions come along, don’t fret about finding new gift ideas. Just remember that to give a gift is an honor, an opportunity to take the time to show your respect to to someone you care about. Because of that, those old maxims "It’s better to give than to receive" and "it’s the though that counts" really hold true, which means you should try to find thoughtful gift ideas.
Don’t get discouraged. It may not be easy to come up with special gift ideas for your dear Great Aunt on her 75th birthday, but your offering, whatever it might be, is a valued treasure, a sign of your infinite respect and affection for that special person.
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