It's Christmas Eve, the decorations are up, the Christmas cards sent and the presents bought and wrapped. Sitting quietly with a cup of tea, I can't help thinking about all of the orders I have posted out over the last few weeks not just to the UK but the USA, Europe and even Australia. I hope they have all arrived safely and in time for tomorrow. More importantly, I hope that whoever receives the items as a present actually likes them!
Buying presents is tricky, whether it is for Christmas or a birthday. Even if we think we know someone really well and know their taste inside out, I am sure sometimes we just get it wrong. So what's the answer? Well, everyone could write a list of items they would like or need, I do that for some of my family who ask. Whilst you know you will get something you actually like, it does take away the element of surprise though. You may not know who will buy which bit but you still know what is probably under the Christmas tree for you.
Some people announce they don't know what they want (not very helpful!) and just want cash or a gift voucher. That's fine but if we all gave each other a voucher, there wouldn't be a pile of presents under the tree on Christmas Day. Somehow a little bit of the Christmas magic would be lost for me. I do like to eye a pile of presents, even if they aren't for me! I also think that if we all just swap a gift voucher then we may as well not bother at all, you are just passing cash between you at the end of the day, so what's the point?
Buying presents for someone can be an art. I believe it takes time, thought and care. And that for me sums up a gift. It isn't about how much it cost, or if it has a designer label or not, it is about the time someone has taken to choose it. The thought they have put into finding something they hope you will love. Best of all for me, is the smile that lights up their face when they open a present they genuinely like.
Have a lovely Christmas everyone and a very prosperous 2015!
No comments:
Post a Comment