Christmas Gift-Giving Etiquette

CEBU, Philippines - Christmas is a season of gift-giving. It embraces so much variety and most of us turn into a confused lot pondering over which gift would be apt. Which one is to be given to family, dear relatives and friends, to businesses and bosses, to clients and colleagues and then our  head starts reeling. 

Here are some guidelines of gift-giving etiquette and rules. 

Presenting the gift properly is as important as gift-giving. A lovely container always increases the perceived value of the gift even though it only costs a couple of pesos. A hand-woven  basket, a jar or  a wooden box  will do quite well. The traditional gift wrapped with a bow and gift tag never fails to impress. No matter what gift it is, remember to look happy and surprised to have got it. Focus on the thought, time and effort that went into  the gift.

What we give as gifts and how we receive them says a lot about us as individuals. It is inevitable that there’ll be the odd-mix throughout the holiday season, but there is no need to be stressed. Bear in mind that many people simply give gifts to show appreciation or express affection for the recipient and all they are looking for is a simple thank-you in return. 

If times are hard and pockets are not as deep this year, do not be afraid to tell your friends and family. Those closest to you are bound to understand and might even feel relieved that there won’t be such heavy expectations placed upon them to find the perfect gift in return.

Show Appreciation

If you receive a gift, even if you don’t give one in return, always show your appreciation - regardless of whether you like the gift or not. Remember that the gift is an expression of the giver’s care  for you, and you should receive the gift graciously. If you are presented with the gift in person, smile and thank the gift giver. If you receive a gift by mail, call the giver as soon as you can to advise him that the gift has arrived. You should also send hand-written thank-you notes whenever possible.

Honor Your Host

When you’re invited to someone’s home during the holidays, it is good etiquette to bring a token of appreciation in exchange for the invite. The gifts should not be extravagant or overly personalized. Often a bottle of wine, box of chocolates, flowers or another holiday-themed gift will suffice.

Cultural Sensitivity

Keep in mind that not all cultures celebrate the holiday season in the same way.    The traditions surrounding gift-giving and receiving often vary depending upon the culture. Though it may be the cultural norm in America to publicly unwrap a gift when it’s received, in many cultures this would be considered poor form where waiting for a private moment would be the appropriate etiquette.

In Asian culture, clocks are never accepted as it signifies that the days of one’s  life are numbered. Colors are important in some places. Generally black is frowned upon, and in others such as Korean culture, white signifies death.

The Gift selection

Christmas presents should show that you know the receiver’s preferences and at the same time surprise the recipient. The gift should be scaled in economic value to the emotional value of the relationship. (You should not buy your nephew a gift of far greater value than the gift to your son).

The Decoration and Wrapping Rule

Any room where Christmas gifts are placed and distributed should be properly decorated and filled with various Christmas accessories. Presents should be wrapped before they are given. The nice wrapping adds up to the festive aura of the Christmas celebration and brings a sense of delightful surprise.

The Scaling Rules

•              Parents with more than one child should give gifts of approximately equal value to all the children.

•              Children do not give more expensive presents to parents than parents give to children.

•              Treat your married relatives’ spouses equally with your relatives; you give your sister-in law a gift roughly equal to your sisters’.

•              Gifts to friends should not be valued more than gifts to spouses, parents or children.

Whether Christmas shopping ends with excitement or exhaustion, thinking of others is always a great feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction. (FREEMAN)