| Christmas Gifting - Do Our Partners Really “Get It”?
52 Days left until Christmas – Now that is really daunting.
Once upon a time we would have quoted this as, 45 shopping days left until Christmas. Oh how the world has changed, we can of course now shop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, bank holidays and even Christmas day.
Is this a good thing? Well I suppose the answer lies in what is being bought by whom and for what purpose. It goes without saying that if the onset of internet shopping affords us more quality time to spend with our loved ones, good times. If however having saved time a gift is produced that has not been thought through and/or is totally inappropriate then the saving of time will cost the giver dearly! Bad Times.
This may be a little controversial but I am not going to sit on the fence, women generally get the whole gift buying protocol, men however generally do not. There we are I said it. Perhaps it is a broad brush statement but from my experience it is a true one. How can this be though, after all women will in the build up to Christmas for example, organise the festive social diary, source and decorate the tree, prepare and decorate the house, determine and prepare the eating arrangements and if lucky there are hangovers to be hung! Oh, and of course thoughtfully and efficiently go about buying the kids, the families and friends presents. With so much to be done it is a surprise that the holiday is not spent sleeping and just recharging batteries. Something more thoughtfully purchased than a gift voucher I think is therefore well deserved?
I am not for one moment implying that people (well men) do not care. I am not accusing them of being inconsiderate. I am however arguing that they do not afford gifting the time that it deserves.
Look guys if you want to avoid scrambling through the shopping centres buying presents the day before they’re unwrapped, read on. Of course, it helps to know what that special woman in your life wants, or has hinted at wanting, so you don’t have to walk around aimlessly as another zombie in the fellowship cult of Christmas shoppers. Why not shop from the convenience of your own home online, with a wish list of desired gifts hand picked.
Christmas gifts come in many forms big, small, cheap or expensive, but probably the most important is the thought that goes into picking a gift. A gift that shows you put a lot of thought and care into your decision will be appreciated even if cheap or home made much more than an expensive gift with little thought or regard to the recipients personality or tastes. Before you go out and do some shopping, you may want to give some thought first on for whom the Christmas gifts are intended. Remember, it's important that you consider the person's personality, interest, and the lifestyle as well. Making extra effort to take these demographic details into account will definitely make your receiver feel deeply valued. Do keep in mind that giving Christmas gifts are not mere matters of the physical aspects. It's the concept of giving without expecting something in return that establishes the very essence of Christmas gifts. Keep in mind that your gift doesn't have to be expensive, and I would argue the best gift of all is the gift of time. As the old adage quips, it's the thought that counts.
To help with demystifying the whole gifting process, I have in my infinite wisdom decided therefore to help my partner and this year I have decided to compile a Christmas Wish List, and I will even identify where to go to buy the items on it. I have even done the research and made sure that I have identified the cheapest outlets. I will then publish it. I will put it on face book, tweet it, email it and I might even picture text it! Well I figure if it is out there, even if my partner does not see it one of the kids will. You never know some thought might even go into my presents this year, even if all the thought is mine! I am not concerned about surprises after all I always know what’s been bought for me, I look after the credit card statements.
Christmas Shopping |
