This has been a difficult post for me, not only have I taken time out to sort out my own impulses but I have talked to several other people for their opinions of this story. From my own frame of mind, there are several issues that the story hits on in which I question “is this really good?” Yet, I do realize that the post is really about giving and Christmas rather than charity. Therefore, I am going to skip over the multi-layer complexities of charity; forgetting all conversations and impulses that I might have had; and simply express what I think gifting is all about.
A gift towards someone is recognition of the person and an expression of how you feel towards them. In other words-“this is how well I know you and this is how I feel about you.” A symbolic presentation of what you think of the relationship, which the true currency is effort. Money, status, presentation and time are all but extended and distracting values, it is the thought that counts, which when acted on produces effort. That is why I always move away from things that are too material, (jewelry, electronics, and such.) towards things that are more symbolic and says I know you. I gave a globe to my girlfriend for her birthday, I gave her the world. I have given joke presents that have made my family laugh, (never exploiting the receiver of the gift. Unfortunately, I have seen a gift that makes the receiver a butt of a joke; that is so tactless.) I have given gifts that people needed but knew they would never get around to getting. I have given labor and I have given love, a gift is nothing more than a symbol of that.
Peter
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