The Art of Giving and Receiving. How to give presents to each other.
Love often needs to be surrounded by presents…
Giving presents. It is the most ancient tradition of all time. The custom was born long and long time ago… There is a common opinion that this ritual has its roots in a tradition when people gave presents to their Gods in order to ask them for their love and compassion. Later the gifts were given to chiefs of the tribes or the governors of the nations, to kings or queens, and the other people in high society to assure the strong social position of the contributor. The richer the gift – the more advantages you will have on a social ladder. But today we give presents to each other with no apparent reason. It can be a possibility to express yourself (love), to tell people about you as a person (friendship), and to show your personal qualities.
The right way to do it. There is a special etiquette in giving your present or gift. Even a very humble present can make a birthday person shine with happiness if you accompany your gift with the words: “I am so sorry, I was shopping today for the whole day but I could not find anything that would be as nice as you - this was the only thing I found for you: I had to buy it even it is a very modest present…” (I suppose you should not give chewing gum as a present…)
Correct way of giving flowers. If you come to a party with a bunch of flowers you have to give it to the person as soon as you enter the doors (even if you have some other presents). You should take off your coat (well, and shoes) and you should enter the rooms before giving the other presents. Do not hold the flowers heads down, do not hide them behind you or someone else’s back; you should unwrap them if they were wrapped in a common plane paper. If the flowers are wrapped in a gift paper with ribbons (and bells) you should give them as is - without unwrapping them.
Correct way of giving presents When you give your present you should be open and polite even if you feel a bit shy. You should be self-confident even if you think your present will not be liked. Do not tell everyone that you had so many troubles buying it and you spent so much money on it; and you should not say: “here, this is for you.., hold it…” Remember your present – is a part of your heart that you are giving!
The right way to give money as a present (not for lovers I suppose) If you decide to give money (say, you to go the wedding) put it in the envelope. Make it a special envelope not the one you send mail in to your accountant! It would be good if you include a postcard where you write your sincere wishes and where you congratulate the person. Write it yourself with your handwriting – it always looks very touching and special; just spoil your friends! It is a good idea to make this envelope yourself, with your own hands – I love this kind of presents – you can even draw something on the envelope. The present will look warm, original, and right from your heart… Remember the energy you attach to the present is MORE IMPORTANT than the present itself!
Correct wrapping Wrapping is a good way to give your presents. If your present is too big (a car or a house for a lover for example) and the wrapping is not an option, and then just give her/him the keys in a nice gift box for god sake!
The gifts that you can eat. If you are giving a present that can be eaten (chocolate hare, vegetables with pasta for example or cake and fruit) you should remember that these sort of presents the person should put right on the table in front of all guests (even if he wants to eat it alone)… Well and if he/she does not – my God help them!
Animals as a gift. You should do it ONLY if you were asked to do so or only if this was previously discussed with the relatives of the person you are giving the present to. Just imagine – you are giving a cow as a birthday gift and the person does not even know how to milk it. What a shame… Surely enough it will be your last time at this house even if the milk is good for cheese and butter!
The correct way to take and accept the presents. You should smile when you receive a gift and never – remember NEVER - say: “I will open it up later…” You should unwrap it immediately, saying thank you and expressing lots of joy! You know, the person who gave it to you might have spent the whole day selecting this present for you… He/she was thinking about you trying to make you happy. The flowers need to be put into water straight away. And never ever compare the presents or talk about someone else’s presents in front of the others – they are bad manners and this behavior can effect and even offend the other guests. Simple “thank you!” and your smile should be rather enough.