Why Do We Give?
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill

       The holiday season is known for many great traditions- gathering with family, decorating houses, eating delicacies and treats, but most of all- giving presents. For some , gift giving is a way to celebrate a special day. For others, it is a special occasion to let family and friends know that you care by giving gifts. When we give gifts, it brings joy or pleasure to the receiver. In addition, giving gifts is something which usually makes us feels good. When shopping for gifts it does not matter whether the gift is small or inexpensive, the value in terms of love is beyond measure. What makes us buy gifts?
One story that is often read around the holidays is O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” Published in 1906, this short story illustrates gift giving in its purest form. Henry writes that the magi, meaning “the wisest givers,” are a husband and wife- Della and Jim Young who live in an austere apartment, which they can barely afford. Having only $1.87 the day before Christmas, Della sells her long, beautiful hair  - something she treasured very much - to purchase a platinum chain for her husband’s prized pocket watch. Unbeknownst to Jim, he buys his wife two expensive turtle shell hair clips with the money he receives from selling his pocket watch - his one prized possession.

Henry writes, “And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.  They are the magi.”

The history of gift giving can be traced back to the Ancient Romans. On the first day of January, around the Winter Solace, people gave each other gifts during a celebration. The gifts were originally evergreen branches, and later developed into cakes, to symbolize prosperity and sweetness in the coming year. The word “charity” is derived from the Latin word, caritas, which means “loving kindness through giving.” Latin is one of the oldest languages every recorded, which means the term and the action of “caritas,” has been around for a long time.

There are many forms of giving; giving life, giving time, giving money, here we’ll talk about giving gifts... and giving back.

Psychologists say it is often the giver, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest psychological gains from a gift. Frustrated by crowds, traffic and commercialism, people can be tempted at this time of year to opt out of gift giving altogether. A 2005 survey showed that four out of five Americans think the holidays are too materialistic, according to the Center for a New American Dream, which promotes responsible consumption.

Giving is part of who we are, part of our humanity, and our culture.  Despite the size or value of the gifts you give or receive this year, remember the spirit in which each gift is given. Happy Holidays!