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How to Give Gifts this Christmas

 How to Give Gifts this Christmas

4 simple ideas for a happy christmas

Many of us will be wondering, as uusual, what gifts to buy and offer to our friends and family members this Christmas. Our current times of economic uncertainty make this perhaps a more difficult task than in previous years.

With not as much money freely available to spend this holiday season, budgets may have to be tighter. There is the worry that we might not be able to give the gifts that people really want or appreciate. What can be done this year to make this holiday season be just as festive and happy as other years? Not only do we have to think about other people this Christmas but also, what can we, if asked, suggest that other people give us this Christmas?

Let’s start by looking back at last christmas. Can you remember all the presents you received? How many of them did you really want? Or, more importantly, how many of them did you really need? Do you still use or wear any of them and are there any you have simply never used? Perhaps there are some that are still in their boxes.

Create a Christmas List based on your Needs

When we draw up our own list of Christmas gifts, we should first take time to consider what we need versus what we want. As we go through life, there are things we really need…clothes, food etc. and there are things we want, which may often be driven by advertising,.. newer car, latest gadgets etc.. This Christmas, why not draw up a list of things you need rather than things you want?

The idea behind this is that your friends and family are less likely to give you gifts that lie idle and unused through the year. Instead they offer you gifts that you really need and that you know you will use. This saves you money because you do not have to buy those things yourself and it makes the giver feel good because they know their gift has been worthwhile.

Ask your family and friends what they need.

So then, why not carry out the same process with your family and friends? Why not ask them what they really need? If you want, let them know that this year you’ll be looking to give gifts that are worthwhile and necessary, they are quite likely to appreciate your honesty. Listen to what your family members or friends say that they really need, then make a list of those things they mentuon that you feel you can really afford to give.

Give to the Person

When buying and giving gifts, it is always important to think of the person receiving the gift. Try to avoid buying a gift for the person’s work or for the person’s house … unless they really ask for it. Give a gift for them. No one likes to be thought of simply by the work they do or the property they live in, each person has value in themselves and your gift should be to recognise them as a valued friend or family member.

Give a little luxury

At this point, I want you to break away from the ‘needs’ idea of gift giving for just a minute. I am going to urge you to include a little luxury item, it need not be expensive, in your gift giving. This should be aimed at those ‘special’ people in your life … you know who they are. Give these people a little luxury item that serves to express your thoughts or feelings about them and how much you value their being in your life. As I have mentioned before, everyone likes to be appreciated for themselves rather than what they do. Giving a little luxury to a person helps them to know that you value and think of them.

So there you are, 4 simple ideas to help make this christmas time a happy one despite the economic difficulties that affect many of us. May you each and all have a happy holiday season.

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