Please CLICK HERE -
Presents of Mind Some wrapped up thinking by Nigel A JAMES
With Christmas just past, there are very many people sitting on lots of “just what I always wanted” kinds of presents. These presents are nothing other than rubbish. And, as usual, much money has been spent in order to provide the pleasure of giving, in, what is, the traditional season of love and good cheer!
So, why do people give presents? There are a number of reasons for this, but, the majority do so because it's a ritual that has to be kept. An obligation. Some do it with pleasure and others not so. But, the actual choosing and buying is never that easy; and, the reason for this is that nobody knows what to buy. Nobody knows what other people really want. And, deciding what to give to those who are close is the hardest of all.
Of course, presents for kids are the easiest. Toys and more toys and more toys. The more that you give them the happier they are. But then, as soon as they are old enough to think for themselves and have ideas of their own (usually as of 10 for girls and 50 for boys), the pain of decision commences and the disappointment of receiving begins. So, why is this?
Basically, humanity can be divided into two major groups. Male and female. And, this is important. Little girls are women waiting to grow up, and men, in reality, are nothing other than little boys who never matured. And so, with this fact firmly in mind, the choice of the perfect gift should be as easy as buttering hot toast.
Women prefer sensible things and the more expensive the better! Jewellery, the best perfumes that exist and a Gucci handbag are perfect. Men, on the other hand, being humble, would much rather have items with no aesthetic value at all. Train sets or golf clubs are much better than pullovers or socks, and ties should never be bought (your taste, even if you think differently, is not his!).
Of course, there are two major occasions for the giving of presents, Christmas and birthdays; and each with its own set of rules and magic dynamic. It's your birthday. You're the only one getting a present. You are the centre of attention and it’s your special day. And, because you're the only one receiving, the presents tend to be better and sometimes even quite good! Christmas is different. Everyone is equal, and, unlike birthdays, it’s a two-way occasion. Everyone gives and everyone gets! But, who gets what is a matter of tradition as well.
The best and the most expensive presents are for very close family. Good friends are next on the list with vouchers, and, last but not least, are colleagues or classmates who have to make do with very cheap chocolate or unwanted bottles of wine.
But, is the real joy of presents just in the giving? A lot of people believe this! But, of course, this is a chicken and egg situation. If everyone gives and no one receives, then there would be no presents at all. Presents involve both giving and taking, and I, for one, take a great deal of pleasure in unwrapping surprises. Real presents are mysteries, and the more thinking the better, and, things that are actually wanted are the best gifts of all!
So, let's look forward to next year's shopping. More thinking is all that is needed. Don't give rubbish and don't make it last minute. Keep your eyes and ears open – the ideas will come on their own. And, by-the-way, very small packets are sometimes the very best of all. And, don't forget – saucepans and ties are the worst presents of all! Happy new year, and I hope you'll do better next year.
