subject: The Etiquette of Gift Giving - Don't DROP THE BALL! [print this page] The Etiquette of Gift Giving - Don't DROP THE BALL!
The etiquette of gift giving actually creates a lot of stress around Christmas time, not to mention other times of the year. The biggest problem with this stress, in my opinion, is that it is unnecessary. It is pointless. Most stress fits that description, but that is another matter. Imagine that you could lift the burdens associated with gift giving and eliminate all the stress that comes with it. It's a lot easier than you think.
The first step comes from understanding the etiquette of gift giving. This is true because etiquette is what stresses us out, when we are trying to get gifts for people. Etiquette is about the expectations of us and of others. Those expectations create pressure, which in turn creates stress.
Now, the point is not to liberate yourself from etiquette. That eliminates the point of giving gifts, as you could essentially randomize them at that point. That's no fun for anyone really. So, the better solution is to use the etiquette of gift giving to give better gifts.
And how do you do that?
You begin by understanding that the gift is not just about you. It is about the the person you are buying/making the gift for more than it is about you, and it is about your relationship with that person even more so. That may sound airy fairy, but it's really not.
The point is that you want your gift to make an impact, and you want it to show love and care. The only way to do that is to make it about the other person. After you have done that then you can begin to give gifts that will add value to your relationship. And, that is when understanding the etiquette of gift giving really pays off.
The etiquette of gift giving is about your relationship, and so there are no hard and fast rules. At the same time, you just need to remember not to push the envelope too far. With people you do not know, for example, you just do not bother even thinking about anything offensive. That can really damage a relationship.
For loved ones, you are the only person who knows what is right.
After you have figured that out, the next big challenge is to find the best gifts.
