WHY IT’S BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
As a child, the Christmas season is the time where you receive presents from your parents and relatives. You can’t control your excitement as you receive your present, beautifully wrapped with a heartfelt note. As the season ends, you’re left with a “happy problem” of where to store your presents in your room.
As you grow up, you learn about the holiday spirit, and how giving presents to your family and friends bring a different kind of excitement. There is something fulfilling about seeing them unwrap your present, and expressing how grateful they are later. From making a list of what and whom to give, to presenting them to your loved ones, nothing can beat the joy of making someone happy this Christmas.
The beauty of the season lies in its various meanings for different traditions, cultures, and families. While there are many stories that explain how Christmas began, they all point to the importance of giving. We often hear the well known “It is more blessed to give than to receive” Bible passage in various occasions, but it has always been significant during this festive season.
Research conducted by social psychologist Liz Dunn, along with her colleagues, that was featured in the journal Science, showed that people’s sense of happiness is greater when it is spent on others. The book Ethics for the New Millennium also discussed that happiness comes from a genuine concern for other’s happiness.
Giving also inspires others to make the world a better place. By showing generosity to our peers, you have the ability to make people feel special — which makes them want to do the same. As a result, giving contributes to a cycle of warmth and positivity.
Another reason why giving is important during the holiday season is to remind us about the story of the three Wise Men who sought Jesus. When Jesus was born, he received gold, frankincense, and myrrh from the Wise Men.
These explain why many shoppers choose to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones than themselves.
As we approach the month of December, many find themselves in a state of panic as they shop for presents and the upcoming festivities. Shoppers find themselves in the midst of chaos as they decide the perfect present to give to their loved ones. As a result, many shoppers end up making last-minute trips to the mall or getting a present that falls short of their plans.
This holiday season, The Philippine STAR has created a special 12 Gifts of Christmas feature to aid you with your shopping needs. The perfect Christmas present for your loved ones is out there, you just need to know where to look.