This is the year to practice being a good receiver of gifts

Christmas gifting is done. Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and birthdays are still ahead. Gifting requires two people — a giver and a receiver. Many are good at giving but not so good at receiving.

So, before we leave Christmas behind, pause and reflect about whether you were a good receiver of the gifts that came to you. To receive gratefully is a gift in itself.

I had one woman tell me she had searched for the perfect gift and when the receiver opened it, she heard: “Oh you shouldn’t have! I can’t accept it. It’s just too much. You shouldn’t have spent your hard-earned money on me. You need it worse than I do.” Another gentleman remembered a gift he chose for a woman he was dating. Her response was, “Oh thanks — but did you see what my friend gave me?” And a teenager whose friend simply said, “Sorry, but this is the wrong size.”

When this happens, the giver is left wondering why he or she bothered, and disappointed it was not met with the same enthusiasm they had when they wrapped it in anticipation of it being opened.

I remember a favorite Christmas moment in 2009, when my then 11-year-old grandson Sebastian was visiting. He lived in St. Paul Minnesota and was a big Minnesota Vikings/Adrian Peterson fan.

My friend Gene had bought Sebastian a Vikings jersey that Peterson had worn in a game. When Sebastian opened the gift, he jumped up and down and twirled around, delight showing in every ounce of him. That is the best “receiving” of a gift I’ve ever witnessed.

Perhaps this is another good new year’s resolution — to be a good receiver. All you have to do is practice the words, “Thank you so much. That was really thoughtful of you and I am glad to have it (or wear it or read it or use it.)

Of course, if you want to practice giving a hug or jumping up and down and twirling around, that’s even better.