Editorial

Gift-giving is LOVE

Many youths would prefer “material items” as gifts for Christmas as shown in a survey by the Social Weather Station. This preference was nearly 50 percent of the respondents’ choice compared to a measly two percent for “family togetherness” as a gift.

        But to qualify qualitatively, material items decay but not familial togetherness or affirming family bond which goes generation by generation. A gadget like cellphones can be bought anytime but not one cannot just throw family union outdoors. From the family we get belongingness, affection, protection, and survival. Of course, we need material items but these could only be temporal unlike social bonding which is more lasting. 

        People give material gifts to make us happy of our wants or needs but the non-material aspect , which is family togetherness, is far more reaching in social relationship. Better in togetherness we extend material gifts out of love. Of course, the youths or the kids would want material items, including cash, as gifts during Christmas Day but these are given out of love. If it is out of love and it will further strengthen social bonding, then the material and non-material aspects are fine blending… but not as an obsession to acquire the material things to selfishly satisfy oneself.

        There are wonders in giving material items as gifts. For one, it must be usable. If one can afford,, a computer set or laptop unit with internet connection is functional, especially for studies and research and as a communication tool, and that could also be used by the whole family. But of course, there must be a fund sourcing for maintenance and operation of such device. What we mean is a gift that is long lasting and very useful and functional. Of course, this depends on affordability.

        There are choices in giving material items as gifts so long as these are meant to be useful. Surely, kids love toys but these items can be bought with a learning process in it. These items would make the receivers think that they are loved and are given attention by the givers. Loving is non-material and giving can come in the form of material aspect and could be reciprocated by non-material gesture such as respect and appreciation borne out of gift-giving.

        So folks, this Christmas season learn how to blend the material and non-material nature of the occasion. Giving material items is a token of love and the receiver is reminded that they are being loved and not just for the sake of tradition of buying gifts.

        Remember, the greatest gift of all is always LOVE. This is especially true among families of close-knit relationship. Enjoy the season folks!