Presents better to give or receive?

My question is which gives more joy, the act of giving or receiving presents? Each creates lasting memories.

Every fall for some and in the first week of December for me, the hunt for the perfect gift begins. When my children were younger, we bought them way too much. They each received a present from Mom and Dad, one or two from Santa, then they received presents from the grandparents on both sides, the great-grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins.

I think I was making up for when I was young. As I said, Christmas, when I was young, was a family affair, and we received one present from Santa and one from Mom and Dad. My birthday is close to Christmas and some years when the money was tight, I did receive a present from Santa, but I would have to wait for my birthday for my gift from Mom and Dad.

Every year, with loved ones in mind, we search high and low, trying to find something meaningful and unique that will bring a smile to their faces. there are countless thoughtful gift ideas that can show just how much we care. After all, the joy of giving is as satisfying as the joy of receiving. As we get older it is harder to find the ideal gift. When we were first married, finding the right gift was an adventure I loved to embark on, but I always started late. The act of giving helps develop a deeper connection and can strengthen relationships with those we love. Giving the ideal gift is an expression of love, appreciation, and gratitude,  I think that the thought and effort put into selecting the perfect gift can communicate how much we truly care about the person, making the act of giving an experience that brings us closer together. That is why it is an important part of the holiday for us.

On the other hand, receiving presents also evokes a unique sense of excitement and wonder. If we get the gift we did not expect or one that we need, it can remind us of the joy and innocence of childhood, where the anticipation of unwrapping gifts under the Christmas tree fills us with a sense of satisfaction. The act of receiving a present allows us to feel loved knowing that someone has taken the time to consider our preferences and desires.

There's something magical about both the act of unwrapping presents and watching someone unwrap your gift to them starting with the anticipation building with each torn piece of wrapping paper. From the satisfying rip of tape to the gasps of delight, the thrill of gift exchange is a cherished part of Christmas traditions. Whether it's the surprise of a long-awaited item or the sentimental value of a heartfelt gift, the excitement in the air is palpable and makes for unforgettable memories.

To answer my original question, the act of giving and the act of receiving presents each holds a unique place in our hearts and bring their own special kind of joy. When we give gifts, we experience a sense of fulfillment and happiness knowing that we've made someone else's day brighter. Seeing the joy on their faces and knowing that we've touched their hearts with our thoughtful gesture creates a warm and lasting memory that we can cherish for years to come. 

Receiving presents also brings a sense of surprise and discovery, especially when we receive unexpected gifts or those that hold sentimental value. These presents become cherished mementos, representing the love and thoughtfulness of the giver, and they remind us of the special bonds we share with them.

 Both giving and receiving presents are acts that create lasting memories. As we gather on Christmas day the unique, puzzling, or strange gift becomes a part of our Christmas story. The gifts and the stories around them symbolize the essence of the holiday season - love, generosity, and sharing joy. These memories weave themselves into the fabric of our lives, and every year, as we exchange gifts and witness the happiness of our loved ones, we are reminded of the beauty of giving and receiving.

Ultimately, the joy of giving and receiving presents during Christmas is interconnected and interdependent. The act of giving brings joy not just to the receiver but also to the giver, and the act of receiving brings happiness not only to the person receiving the gift but also to the one who gave it. It's a beautiful exchange of emotions and sentiments that enrich our lives and create cherished memories for years to come.

Boxing Day is a day for ... tomorrow I will explore what we used to do on this day, and for those of you who don't know what it was/is I will explain a bit of the history of the day.