Birthdays. Christmas. Anniversaries. These are the annual occurrences that obligate us to give gifts. I find so much stress involved with this process: Do I acquire the lists and get the specific item? Instead, do I opt for the thoughtful gift that proves I know this person? Ooo or do I buy the thing that this person needs, rather than wants? This horrific period begins, for me in August and relentlessly doesn't let up until the end of December. Oh no, I'm not talking about just Christmas, I even have a birthday on December 31st (sucks to be him).
- August 6th- Brandi, my darling niece
- September 7th-DeVeer, my BFF
- September 20th-Tanya, my sister
- October 5th-Daniel, my favorite child
November…and breathe
- December 25th THE Present Day
- December 31st-My father
Now these dates are just my musts! There are a few friends birthdays scattered in there as well, and all during this time frame. I guess there is a lot of sex going on in winter months, huh?
All this said, let me defend that I truly do enjoy giving gifts. My internal problem begins when I notice that it has become this mandatory thing. It's no longer about , "I love you, I appreciate you…here is a token of my affection" It is more like, "It's my day and if you don't buy me something expensive then you don't really love me." While shopping or out and about on a regular day, if I come across something that I know is of interest to a family or friend, I am thrilled for that purchase. Let me point out that this is no particular schedule though. I suck at hiding things so it would be a gift given immediately; that pleases me to no end! However, this begins an internal process in the recipient, I have noticed. They seem weirded out by my sporadic gift-giving. They wonder what is the occasion, what it means, what they did and most of all, do I have to reciprocate.
I am upon this crisis time currently. Wish me luck!
In conclusion, were I rich, I guess none of this would even be in question.
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