THE ART OF GIFTING

It's Christmas Eve and I've finally wrapped my last present which means I'm officially ready for Christmas! I've been frantically running around for the past few days getting my Christmas shopping done that it has left me drained and feeling more like I've been doing a chore rather than something that should be fun and exciting. It's got me thinking more about what Christmas should be about and about the Art of Gifting in general.

There is an art to gifting and receiving. Not only am I a firm believer that it's way better to give than to receive but I also believe that the way in which we give and receive truly does matter.

BE A GRACIOUS RECEIVER

You should always be a gracious receiver and granted this can be difficult when your auntie totally misses the mark and gets you yet another an ugly jumper for the 4th year running but I honestly believe that there is a blessing in being gracious even when the gift wasn't what you wanted, needed or expected. It's a blessing to the person who took the time out and put in the effort to think of you and get you something that they thought (albeit wrongly) that you would like. It's also a blessing because not everyone out there in the world will receive something for Christmas and it's important to always have an attitude of gratitude and remember that it could be worse.

So if you don't receive what you were expecting or wanted this Christmas just smile, be gracious and remember that the person who got you that present tried their best. Remember that it isn't always easy coming up with Christmas gift ideas and that sulking because you didn't get what you wanted won't make you or them feel any better.

THE ART OF GIFTING

The art of gifting is simple and I generally go by two simple rules; be a cheerful giver and give for the right reasons. I believe that by going with these two simple rules you will give wholeheartedly and thoughtfully and you will not feel the unwarranted pressure that sometimes comes with the festive season.

Giving for the right reasons means to give without expecting. It means staying within your means and not giving elaborate gifts that you maybe can't even afford just to impress your social media following, friends, family or significant other. It means being true to yourself and giving gifts that are well thought out and meaningful even if it means you don't spend a fortune. I believe that when you do this you can't go wrong and that the people you're gifting presents to won't be disappointed because they can see the effort, love and thought that went into the gift.

Trust me, nothing makes me smile more than seeing someone's happy face after giving them a gift that I really took my time to think about. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside and all those pushes, shoves and elbows I got during my shopping trips become worth it.

- Natasha FS.

Gifting this way will also mean that you will always be a cheerful giver. You won't see gift giving as a chore or hassle as sometimes is the case but you will enjoy the entire process from thought and concept all the way to shopping, wrapping and eventually giving the gift. Trust me, nothing makes me smile more than seeing someone's happy face after giving them a gift that I really took my time to think about. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside and all those pushes, shoves and elbows I got during my shopping trips become worth it.

This art of gifting makes it so that even when you maybe don't receive anything, you'll be able to take in and enjoy the joy around you rather than be bitter and resentful. It will help you remember that the true gift isn't just opening presents and giving them but that being around those that you care for and love is what is truly important.

With all that being said, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas with your families and loved ones. Remember to be a gracious receiver and that there is an art of gifting which is all about being a cheerful giver who doesn't give to receive. And if you don't get anything this Christmas don't worry; everyone knows that Christmas is really about the food anyway!

This post is sponsored by Kipling Global