MS: I Want That!

Growing up, probably the best part of the holidays is opening presents. But as you grow older, you start to take on more responsibilities when it comes to gift-giving, and the holidays become very different with the new weight of finding the perfect gift for everyone. Let’s face it: if you say giving is the best part of the holidays it seems braggy, and if you say getting is the best it seems spoiled. Truthfully, there’s a good argument for each, and the holidays wouldn’t be complete without the satisfaction and joy from both.

Getting: originally, it’s probably the reason why most children look forward to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever gift-giving holiday you celebrate. You can’t really argue with the enjoyment of getting the things you want on holidays.

Giving is a harder thing to enjoy at first, but age brings the responsibility of buying gifts for family and friends and becomes a necessity. Knowing the happiness gained from getting adds to the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make someone’s holidays better. It’s truly a part of the holiday spirit to help contribute to others’ enjoyment of the holiday.

Overall, giving and receiving are both crucial parts of the season and, without them, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun to celebrate. It’s hard to talk about giving without sounding cheesy, but it’s true that any act from a present to small kindnesses (like Dr. Schawang excusing the people in Walmart) is part of what makes the holiday spirit.