The Giving of Gifts
The giving of gifts may be one of the oldest of human traditions. Even gift wrapping can be traced way-way back and has its own interesting history. There are customs and mores from culture to culture, country to country, and even family to family. All of this has changed over the years…and I suspect will likely change again and again and again.
But on its face, the giving of gifts is a fairly common way to express love, affection, and thanks to one another. And while there may be times when the exchange feels obligatory, mostly it truly is the thought that counts!
Gifts are given for all sorts of occasions and celebrations. It’s a means of communicating with each other and expressing ourselves. And sometimes – I think – we like to give gifts for no reason at all!
No doubt, gift-giving has become quite a commercial machine, sometimes overtaking the season or date we’re celebrating…leap frogging so far ahead of the calendar that I find myself flabbergasted (think Valentine candy showing up in the grocery store the DAY after Christmas!). Now that we’re in the midst of the Christmas season, you can imagine I’ve been thinking about this a lot.
But in spite of the “market forces” trying to bend and shape our gift giving, at its core – when we give gifts it does allow us to connect…and in this day and age, I believe that’s a very real need. To know that a gift, no matter how big or small, has brought about smile and a good feeling truly brings out the best in all of us. Who among us doesn’t want to brighten someone’s day?
Here at Beach Treasures in Duck -- a shop brimming with gifts, collectibles, and jewelry -- you can probably imagine how many GIFTS we’re a part of! (Perhaps I've helped you!) It’s wonderful to help someone find the perfect gift or to share in the enthusiasm when someone purchases a one-of-a-kind piece of art for that very special someone. It does a heart good…it does my heart good.
This feeling – the one that brings out the best in us – really does illustrate that old saying “it is better to give than receive.” So from all of us at Beach Treasures, best wishes during the holiday season...Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year!
Look for our next BLOG here at Outer Gifts Online in January 2020. If you're doing some holiday shopping while in Duck, we hope you'll visit us -- our Winter Hours are Mondays through Saturdays, 10 am until 5 pm.