Informative

How Can You Make Holiday Gift Exchanges Spiritually Meaningful?

Gifts are supposed to be given freely, willingly, and without expecting something in return. But may it be the wedding reception, Diwali, Christmas, or birthdays, these celebrations have become increasingly gift-centric and commercialized. Rather than embracing these events spiritually, we make ourselves busy in gift choosing exercise, evaluating the importance of that person in our lives and the gifts they are worthy of.

But let’s face it. Almost everyone likes to receive gifts from their loved ones because they are considered a sign of affection, respect, and value in their lives. And that’s precisely why, as a seeker, we must question the whole point of gift-giving and think about how we can make our gifts spiritually meaningful.

The burden of gifts during festivals:

 Diwali, Christmas, or any major religious holidays have a spiritual significance. But they have become gift exchange days, instead of coming together as a family and spending quality time with each other. It often becomes overbearing and puts unnecessary tension in our relationships. Often, these gifts are regifted to others next season without even being opened. We usually end up receiving the same gifts from our loved ones, and they occupy the space in our lofts.

Many get stressed if expected gift-givers don’t turn up to wish them. The gifts are often judged by their sizes or the costs, and they become evaluation parameters of what others think about us. These holiday seasons have become financially burdening when we feel obligated to give and receive gifts under social pressure.  

In such cases, we must attempt to make these holidays spiritual again, without missing out on the enjoyment of giving and receiving gifts. Let’s look at ideas where we can make the gift exchange spiritual and more from the heart instead of from our pockets.

Making gifts spiritually meaningful:

Thought that counts:

 The gift becomes memorable when it matches the recipient’s identity, likings, personality, and passions. It doesn’t have to be constructive or time-consuming to select a gift for someone. The gift could be as simple as a feelings journal or a mug with the spiritual quote written on it, but it should reflect the receiver’s point of view.

Keeping this in mind, spend some time analyzing the impact you create on the recipient. Instead of the fad of the season, it should be something that will have a long-lasting effect on their minds. Think about the long-term value of the gift instead of giving an object with temporary trend and glamour. Take account of these things before you buy someone a gift.

Intention.

 The intention is everything. Gift-giving establishes or underlines the connection between gift receiver and gift giver. Even a simple photo frame could have a lot more emotional value than a flat-screen TV.

We should remember that the primary intention behind gifting someone is appreciation, which doesn’t necessarily have to come with a price tag. Only the living beings can show gratitude, and the worldly things cannot. How can you expect gifts to express our emotions when people do not express them? So, our intention must be to be thankful and acknowledge the receiver’s place in your life, instead of buying the present with a heavy price tag.

Inner expressions of memories.

 Sentiments weigh more than any other gifts, and if those sentiments are attached with memories from the past, no other gift could be better. Feelings like excitement, inspiration, awe, or the nostalgia of good old days have a more profound and enduring impact on the human subconscious than materialistic possessions, as this is what makes us humans. So next time, when you buy a gift for your school buddy, think about the fun you used to have after school, and start from there.

Gratitude.

 When our relationship reaches a certain age, it seems complicated and more challenging to thank you for every little thing our friends, family, or partner do for us. So, when we find a moment to thank them, it gives a bit of recharge to our relationship with that significant person.

Instead of just a gift, stick a handwritten thank you note along with it. Instead of keeping it in a present pile, hand over your gift to them, and say why you are thankful. Instead of simply ordering something on the internet, make something with your hand. Instead of celebrating their success in a hotel, cook something they like, and it will show your gratitude more than anything else.    

 Gift-giving should be fun for those at the giving and those on the receiving end. There should be no overthinking, and choosing the gift process should feel natural. It should strengthen your bond of relationships.

Now, you have done the tedious task of thinking about each person individually. You have chosen the gifts as per everyone’s likings. Now, it’s time to cut some slack for yourself. Even though some receivers will judge you for your gifts, give yourself some self-compassion. It will help you to manage the holiday expectations.

We hope this blog helped you gain insight into making holiday gift exchanges more meaningful.  

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