Why Do We Give Gifts?

It’s usually to show love, gratitude or honor an event. Christmas gifts commemorate the birth of Jesus, Hanukkah is to celebrate the rededication of the temple and birthday gifts are obviously to celebrate someone’s birth.

Unintended Consequences

When we give a gift there is usually the unintended consequence of creating an imbalance in the relationship. The receiver is now in debt to the giver. However small or unintentional the imbalance is, it is there, even if the item was meant as a GIFT.

Sacrifice

When a true sacrifice has been made in giving a gift it cleanses the intention from the giver and ensures the gift was given for the right reason. It balances the imbalance.

When someone receives a gift in which a sacrifice was made not only do they appreciate the gift for what it is, but they also appreciate the sacrifice that was made. The gift becomes more valuable than just the value of the item that was given. It elevates the value of the gift. There is a shared connection between the giver and the receiver, rather than an imbalance.

Sacrifice vs Inconvenience

Often times when we are required to give something up, do something, not do something or make any sort of accommodation we are quick to describe it as a sacrifice. It might be better categorized as an inconvenience.

A sacrifice is defined as the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone.

In today’s world, for a lot of us, giving our time is more of a sacrifice than giving money. Spending time to create gifts will save you money and can provide a more meaningful gift.