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Youtube Christmas in the West usually involves gifts and that involves spending money. During my Christmas shopping this year, I spoke to people who resent the money they feel they need to spend on presents every Christmas. It appears that, with the stress from Christmas shopping and the burden of the season’s expenses, it can be easy to forget the reason for giving gifts: to show our love and care for those close to us.
One of my favourite Christmas specials is Disney’s 1999 Christmas movie, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. It depicts the purpose of giving gifts, as one of the features is based on O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” In the Disney adaptation, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse want to buy Christmas gifts for each other and keep them a surprise. Mickey wants to buy Minnie a chain for one of her most prized possessions, her watch. Meanwhile, Minnie wants to buy Mickey a case for his precious harmonica. Neither of them, however, earns enough money to buy these presents. Eventually, when they exchange gifts, they discover that Mickey traded his harmonica to get a chain for Minnie’s watch, while she traded her watch to get a case for his harmonica. The gifts are essentially useless to their recipients. However, Mickey and Minnie succeed in showing the love they have for each other.
I believe this to be an important lesson we often forget during Christmas: It shouldn’t matter how much we spend and how many presents we buy. Rather, Christmas is a time to show our love and care for those around us. It shouldn’t matter whether the presents are large or small, many or few, as long as they are meaningful.
I often see children in privileged families ask for numerous expensive gifts. They feel relief at Christmas when they receive them. I hope as they mature, they will begin to understand that it doesn’t matter what is underneath the wrapping paper. What matters is that it comes with love.
I also see children whose parents encourage them to make gifts for others during Christmas. Over the years, I have received various gifts from children, including painted walnuts, tree ornaments made of aluminum foil, and unique handmade bookmarks. These gifts were not on my Christmas list, but they were made with love and so I treasure them.
For adults, it can be difficult to avoid getting caught up in the commercialism of the season. Although most understand that Christmas is about what they give rather than what they get, many become overwhelmed with the season’s hustle and expenses. Perhaps they can find comfort in reminding themselves that the best gifts are those that come from the heart.
It doesn’t and shouldn’t matter whether you spend a fortune on the gifts you buy for others. Mickey and Minnie’s story teaches us that the season’s best part is a gift from the heart.
Great article! It really teaches a lot!
Christmas is for giving – giving love, giving to the poor … I totally agree that many people forget the real reason for giving gifts at Christmas. There are people who give something, no matter what it is, not only for the family and friends, but for their boss and their colleagues. It would be great if they do it with love. Sorry to say, I am absolutely sure not all these gifts (except for the family) are “gifts from the heart”. For some people it is like an ‘obligation’ – “the more expensive the gift, the more they will respect me”.
I totally agree also that most children do not know the real meaning of Christmas giving. It is sad to think of the kids around the world on the opposite poles – the children who do not have families, or do not have homes and food and are starving; and the children, who have everything, but ask for more and more. For the first some food or a loving hug will be the best Christmas presents ever. For the second – even the most expensive gift will be not enough. I really hope, as you Aneta write, that “as they mature, they will begin to understand that it doesn’t matter what is underneath the wrapping paper, as long as it comes with love”.
I cannot wait to read your next article!
I thought that this was a wonderful and touching article about giving and the true meanings of love and friendship. It’s true that too much of the time, people focus on materialistic possessions while disregarding the more important and sentimental things. It’s a very important message that you captured eloquently within your post. I specifically enjoyed the references you made to O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi” and Disney’s adaptation with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Sometimes, it’s not what’s under the tree but who’s around it that really count. But it doesn’t hurt to have a thoughtful gift, no matter how big or small, to celebrate the occasion. It’s just another way to express your happiness and companionship. Looking forward to your next post.
Aneta, I was amazed when you mentioned O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi. It is the story that was imprinted in my mind a long ago, and i always look at the person via the prism of this story. You are the wonderful girl, what you did is priceless.