by Sangeeta Jindal
Gifts mean a spark in the eye, a shout of joy! As a child I remember I used to look forward to Diwali gifts. A tea set, or any household item, I would immediately discard my old and replace them, with these new ones. This was the kind of excitement one felt! In the present scenario, spending money has reached another level, people no longer wait, to replace their old tea set with the ones, received as gifts. Personal choices are the topmost priority. Diwali gifts, no longer hold, the same significance.
What has happened over the years is that the special emotion attached to gifts, has lost its depth! Diwali gifts, I feel should be done away with, people no longer see the need of visiting each other on special occasions. Chat over coffee is the new norm, to meet and catch up.
The cherry on the top, is the expired and smelly dry fruits, packed attractively by the vendors. They are unpalatable and not fit, to be given to anybody! Gifts no longer evoke the same sentiments. I remember preserving mine, just because they came from a special person. Even birthday gifts, add to the already loaded toy rooms! Children have acquired a disinterested attitude towards them; the excitement only lasts till they are opened. In fact gifts have become more of a status symbol, for parents.
I personally, desire to create awareness, about the sentiments, behind gifts. Gifts should not become a compulsion; they should be apt for the person. It’s not always that materialistic things can be given as gifts, “time” and “open ears” can sometimes, are invaluable. Gifting “experience” is also a great idea. A short holiday trip, to someone who cannot afford to travel, will be valued more than a purse or a garment.
A lot of thought goes into gifting, knowing the likes and dislikes and needs of a person is very important. An open, mouthed smile, is the best thank you note, one can get, after the person, receives the gift.
