Gift Giving & Holidays - Wrong?
Two years ago a very close family member decided that she would become a Jehovah Witness (sp?). My family is a mix of Catholics and Baptists, but all pretty much have the same belief system. The adults in the family were completely dumbfounded and incredibly upset with her. It was very sad to see the family torn apart over her new belief system.
Long story short, at the initial request of my parents, I agreed to discuss the "family's beliefs" compared to her "new beliefs" to find out where she is coming from - I think my family hoped that I would change her mind, even though that was not my intention for this meeting of the minds.
The one thing that I must say I completely understood from her point of view was the situation that holidays bring forth with the giving of gifts... My cousin stated that the reason she no longer will give gifts for holidays/birthdays is because it has turned into an obligation. People expect parties, cake, candles, money, and presents. The act of giving deals with an unselfish act towards another person with the intent of pleasing another. But, the issue is when that gift is being given, the other person (in many cases) feels they DESERVE that gift. This creates (once again, generally) high expectations, hurt feelings, and sometimes... arguments.
My cousin feels that when you give someone a gift it should be because when you saw the gift you immediately thought of that person, not the obligation.
So, my question is... When giving gifts at holidays and birthdays, do you feel that you may be doing more harm than good? Do you feel an obligation more than the spirit of giving to another? Do you struggle with what to give and how another may respond? Do you feel that this act of giving for a purpose instead of giving because you have a desire to give is wrong?
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
