I Admit I Like Christmas “Getting”
Dec 5th, 2006 by Jeremy
Why is it I enjoy getting gifts so much? I don’t think of myself as too greedy, and not really all that self-centered - though my brother reads this site and will have things to say I am sure. We all know the old saying “it is better to give than to receive,” but I have to say, receiving can be pretty nice too. I like getting things. I like buying them too, but getting them as a gift is even better. There is some deep down happiness I feel when I open up a great gift. Do I have a problem I need to start a 12 step program to heal, or am I just one of the few to admit what we all like, getting great presents.
Of course when I say getting great presents, I mean presents that are actually good, not just anything with some wrapping paper thrown around it. Getting lame presents is about as anti-climactic of a moment as any. Nothing was much worse as a kid than seeing that big box under the tree, dreaming about what is inside for days and even weeks, only to open it Christmas morning to find some lame sweater from Grandma that will go straight to the bottom of your drawer. Clothing in general just wasn’t the best surprise come Christmas morning, though admittedly as an adult getting some nice threads is a good thing!
Ever gotten the perpetually boxed gift? I did this once to a friend as a kid, lots of fun if you haven’t done it. I gave him a pocket knife - which was a great gift at that age by the way - but it was boxed in a dozen successively larger boxes, so he had to work at it. The largest box was filled with some pretty good sized, heavy rocks to make sure he had no idea what it was. So this was both a good and bad trick. He had it in his mind that he was getting something big, but when it wasn’t, he was kinda let down. The knife in the end was worth the effort though.
Surprise gifts for kids are a good thing too. I know, sound redundant, but hear me out. My mom will be oh so happy I am sharing this story because she always likes to ask me if I remember it even though I was young. Yes mom, I remember it vividly, which shows you how good of a thing it is. When I was oh, I think 6 or 7 we had a nice Christmas with all kinds of good presents, with which we thought we were all done. I had my little cache of loot and was happy as can be. My parents had a fun time asking me why I didn’t want to open that one last present. I was all over it, climbing under the tree thinking my parents had definitely lost some of their mental capacity because there wasn’t a thing left that I could see. Finally they pointed to a tall toy soldier in the window sill. I tore it open to find a just-my-size bat, which was oh so cool. The extra surprise of it all, finding one more present than I had repeatedly counted under the tree made it that much cooler. Food for thought parents.
I have a December birthday, due to be born on Christmas but fortunately I was early into the world by a bit. Not being on Christmas day didn’t take away the combined Happy Birthday/Christmas present all in one effect though. How cruel is that to do to a kid? I use this as an excuse now to buy myself things throughout the year, because my birthday is something just passed over, right? (wink, wink) My parents tried hard to make me feel like we weren’t jumping the date, not putting up Christmas lights until the day after my birthday & such, but it never failed that the big “holiday season” was oh so much more important than my b-day. It didn’t bother me as long as I had a gift or two on the day though, that “getting” need again.
I have to say here, don’t think too ill of me with this topic. I understand and believe in the “reason for the season” and all that (don’t I sound so serious with that ending). I am just touching on a topic too few are unwilling to admit too. Think of it as a service to the community I am offering.
So what is at the root of this pleasure I get from receiving gifts? I like free things I admit, so that plays into it. Having “stuff” is something I like too. Problem these days is that the “toys” I really want are really out of reasonable pricing to be considered as gifts. Those are reserved for me to save up for and buy on my own days where I get to give and receive all at once. So what can people get me that I will actually be excited about come Christmas morning? Good news is that I actually enjoy even the simple gifts, a good book, nice tie or a game the whole family can enjoy. See, I am easy to please.
I don’t know if there is a cure for my liking the receiving of gifts, so I think I’ll give up trying…oh wait, not sure if I ever started trying. I think the only thing I can do is work on enjoying the giving just as much as I do the getting. I’ll get right on that, just after I check out this new camera lens I have my eye on…
**licks tip of pen**
“Note to self….buy Jeremy, Dr.Phil’s ‘Self Help’ book” :D
Now honestly who DOESN’T like a great gift? That said, I am not a picky person, but I have rarely gotten a GREAT gift. So I resolve to the tried and true, Give and not expect anything in return. My hubby and I don’t give each other gifts anymore, we really are terrible at gifting to each other. Although that said, our Anniversary is coming up and I need a great idea for him. Any bright ideas? Maybe a good book? Or a tie?? hehe
I am willing to admit I like the GREAT gift. Actually, I’d like anything actually on my so-called list. Growing up, we never gave our parents lists because there was no money and they didn’t want to get our hopes up. Now, in my late 30s, I think the people that actually buy for me shouldn’t need a list. But, I make lists for those that ask for them and hope for the best. With a toddler in the house though, the shift has changed and I hope just for her to like something we bought for her.
Okay, I do love getting things as gifts!! Trust me Jeremy, you are not alone in this!! The truly fun thing for me is not really the “getting” but seeing what someone feels I would enjoy :) I am an easy person to buy for (unless you ask anyone but me HA) because I just like “things”. Strange, wonderful and beautiful things!!!
Jeremy, there is hope though. Once you reach my age (let’s just say I’ve not yet reached the 50 mark), while you still enjoy getting presents, you enjoy the giving more!! Funny thing about that though is now my kids would rather choose their gifts themselves. Forget the surprise and wonder of Christmas morning!! I do manage to sneak a few things in though :)) The giving is not nearly as fun or meaningful to me, if I haven’t put the thought into choosing it myself.
Don’t even get me started on gift cards!!
**Standing up** “I am guilty” LOL. I love to give, but I also love when someone has given me something that is well thought out or proves they know me well. But I love shopping and looking for things for my family and friends that they wouldn’t expect to get.
Well Happy Birthday soon Jeremy!
When I was a kid I have to admit I was all into what’s in it for me…now that I’m older and since I became a parent (and Santa)I am all about the giving part. I work all year on coming up with the perfect Christmas gifts for my family…I even take notes when something happens that gives me a gift idea. And I LOVE seeing them open the gift on Christmas morning and say, “How did you remember (or knew) I wanted this?” Gives me the BEST feeling! I also so enjoy getting items for chosen Christmas Angels…my hubby will get a name from his job and I get other names as well. We shop for them and talk about what their Christmas will be like and how lucky we are to be so blessed…my daughter enjoys this part of our family traditions.
Ok…not saying LOOK AT ME…the SAINT here…I do enjoy a well thought out gift I might receive. I just enjoy seeing my family and friends open ones I got for them so much more.
Happy Birthday soon Jeremy!
OK. I love to get presents. Not knowing what is inside, the thrill of ripping open the paper. What a rush. Of course I’m not greedy. I do enjoy giving also.It just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
My husband’s family chooses names at Thanksgiving and uses the Secret Santa method. Everybody writes down a few things they would like & we pick one out.
My family says to buy just for the kids. Wait a minute…I don’t have any kids. How come I get short-changed?
Jeremy needs therapy. Bad!
BTW Jeremy…Do you have a website of your own?
Again, I have to agree that I love RECEIVING gifts - but I also love GIVING gifts. Just the look of surprise when someone opens that box and not expecting what they see.
Have I gotten those gifts that end up at the bottom of a drawer, or in the recycle bin or go to Amvets, yes I have. But, it isn’t all about the cost of the gift or anything, it is more about the thought that goes into giving a gift and that person you’ve just gotten that from took the time and effort to go out shopping for you.
BUT, there is always the old addage - the regifting part - maybe what you got from an Aunt or Uncle they got from someone, didn’t like it, and passed it on to you - like the old sweater at the bottom of the drawer.
So, are you guilty of regifting?? I have to admit, I’ve done it once or twice (okay, maybe 3 or 4 times)…..but someone out there has to like that gift eventually. I just hope I don’t get it back.
Now, like someone else, I need to start looking for additional items for my new digital camera I’m getting at Christmas from a wonderful husband - I wonder what I need for it…..