subject: The True Meaning of Gift Giving [print this page] The True Meaning of Gift Giving The True Meaning of Gift Giving
The true meaning of gift giving is actually very uplifting. You see, there are many different ways to think about why we should gift gifts. There are many different traditions for giving gifts and diverse reasons to accompany those reasons. The reasons that you give gifts are liberating.
You may have heard of theories about the meaning of gift giving that explain it as a selfish act or as a way of showing privilege, wealth, excess. And, these theories are interesting and may have some truth to them; however, their weakness lies in the fact that they can explain every act of gift giving. Yes that is a weakness in a theory, when it cannot be unverified (ever).
But there is a liberating truth behind the history of why people give gifts in different cultures. And it is one that transcends our differences. It is a freedom that we all embody based on whether we want to our not, because no one is forcing you to buy gifts, or not. That means that no one can truly decide for you the meaning of your gift giving.
Now that is truly liberating. When looked at in this light gift giving can be an act of liberation.
Now let's not get too carried away! I prefer to make my gifts about love and about creating a some sort of feeling of specialness for the person who will be getting the gift, whether that is my brother, sister, wife, or mother.
But, the best news, is that the meaning that you give to gifting is entirely up to you. That's worth repeating: the meaning of gift giving is yours to decide, yours to make. Claim it and be proud of it.
After you understand this fact you just need to go out there and find the right gifts.
