Gifts from the Heart

A close friend and I were out shopping last Christmas when suddenly she grabs me by the hand and leads me to a display of pretty scarves. 'Pick one, pick one', she encourages me excitedly. 'It's your Christmas gift so go ahead and choose', she continues with a tone of insistence and anticipation.

'But I want it to be a surprise! You know how I luuuuuuuuuv surprises right?', I gently reply hoping not to dampen her excitement too much. Unfortunately I kind of did just that! Hence the start of our 'debate' on gift giving / receiving.

Gift giving and receiving is an art in my opinion. As the saying goes, 'It's the thought that counts'. However, when you are close to someone, there should be much more 'thought' put into the 'gift' naturally. Or at least that's my take on it.

It is great to get cash in an envelope and have the option of selecting one's own gift. I for one have often had this luxury but find that somehow it does not create the special feeling I get when receiving a 'surprise' gift. People sometimes tell me that they are reluctant to get gifts for me because they don't want to choose the wrong stuff and disappoint me. It is valid enough for sure yet putting thought into a gift for a loved one just adds so much more to it. Price tags aside, it is always more exciting opening a giftbox without knowing it's contents. Yes, I know one could still be disappointed once you discover that the gift isn't exactly what you wanted but...you know what I mean right?? SURPRISE! is always much better:)

Okay so here's the thing. My friend is of the opinion that it is better for me to choose my own gift and avoid any disappointment later. And I on the other hand think a gift for a loved one should be selected with special thought and given in anticipation of seeing that pleasantly surprised face glow upon unwrapping the gift.

I suppose this art of giving and receiving could get rather complicating if we analyse and debate about it too much. Just remember, gifts that touch the heart, I feel, somehow involves more thought, more time...and simply more LOVE.

Hope you like my simple gift to you this precious Sunday morning:)

TLC Cookie:
" Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." ~ Robert A. Heinlein

Wild flowers from the highlands of Sri Lanka