Christmas: Giving presents, being present
Greetings
As much as we know that Christmas is not about presents, we also know that somehow presents are still a really good part of Christmas celebrations. To have something handed to you that someone else has bought or made with you in mind, and having thought about what might bring you some joy is – let’s face it – just really nice. And that sense of being considered is multiplied if the gift is something appropriate, something you really like and something which has clearly been given some thought. And there, for me at least, lies the rub.
In spite of the rampant consumerism presents may reflect, in spite of the risk of being seen as a cheap expression of our consideration for those we give them to, and in spite of the way they so often betray the lowly and humble origins of Christmas – presents are still a great way to remind others that they are important to us.