Summary

The article reflects on the joy and simplicity of gift-giving, emphasizing that the value of a gift lies in the thought and happiness it brings, rather than its expense or complexity.

Abstract

The author shares personal insights on the evolution of gift-giving, from the simplicity of their childhood to the complexities introduced by modern technology and consumerism. They contrast their past experiences in the USA, where the pressure to find unique and expensive gifts caused stress, with the Dutch approach to gift-giving, which prioritizes simplicity and the joy it brings. The article advocates for returning to simpler gifts that hold meaningful memories, like a homemade cake, rather than succumbing to the societal pressure of extravagance. It suggests that by embracing simplicity, the act of giving can be more fulfilling and less financially and emotionally taxing, especially during the holiday season.

Opinions

Gift-giving has become unnecessarily complicated and stressful due to the abundance of options and the expectation to be unique and innovative.
The Dutch culture exemplifies the virtue of simplicity in gift-giving, focusing on the joy and thoughtfulness rather than the monetary value.
The author believes that expensive and fancy gifts are not necessary for happiness, especially for children.
Personal experiences, such as receiving a homemade cake during a time of loneliness, are remembered and cherished more than expensive gifts.
The societal pressure to give elaborate gifts can detract from the true joy of giving and receiving.
Embracing simplicity in gift-giving can lead to a more meaningful and stress-free life, both for the giver and the receiver.
The article encourages readers to let go of the need for perfectionism and to find happiness in simpler gifts, suggesting that it is a sign of strength to choose simplicity over excess.

KNOW THYSELF HEAL THYSELF

The Virtue of A Simple Gift

My lessons from the Dutch

This year my daughter requested a journal as her Christmas gift. I am happy. A journal — I can buy.

Growing up, buying or getting a gift was usually a simple affair. For birthdays, we would usually get books or coloring books or a few coloring pencils as gifts. Sometimes, if we were lucky, there would be a toy or a dress. We didn’t have a lot of options.

But that simple gift brought us so much joy.

Fast forward a few years and thanks to the advancement of technology — there is a plethora of gifts available. When I relocated to the USA, I realized one has to be really innovative and unique even when buying a gift for a newborn.

As a perfectionist, I couldn’t let my creativity and uniqueness go to waste. I would spend hours trying to find the perfect gift for the perfect person that also doesn’t burn a hole in my wallet.

All of this would build up a lot of stress. And it still didn’t guarantee that the recipient would be happy with the gift.

I remember when my sister asked her friend’s child (7/8 years old) what gift she would like to have for her birthday, the child responded — a tablet would be fine!!

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be this stressful. It takes away the joy of giving a gift to someone. Instead, it becomes a compulsion and we start fearing this whole process. Gift-giving also doesn’t have to be expensive.

When I moved to The Netherlands, I came to know about Dutch simplicity and I wrote about this concept in detail in this article.

5 Valuable Life Lessons I Learned from The Dutch

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin

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The Dutch are renowned for being frugal. Simplicity is an essence in Dutch life in many ways.

A birthday present for a child would usually cost around 5 -10 Euros and it is most certainly nothing fancy. The idea behind that is the kids do not need something fancy, expensive, or extraordinary to make them happy, they need something simple.

This year, I went back to my past and made a list of gifts that brought me joy. Surprisingly, the one that topped was a homemade cake by my German neighbor on Christmas day when I was utterly lonely and depressed.

It was nothing special and yet it was so special that I remember with fondness after so many years. I wrote about that special gift in this article.

The Valuable Life Lesson I Learned From My German Neighbor

In response to the Coffee challenge; Why I am a pro-shout-out movement.

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After moving to The Netherlands, I started the ritual of giving gifts to my neighbors for Diwali and I kept it to something very simple — a basket or a platter of seasonal fruits along with some good chocolates and a candle.

My neighbors have also reciprocated with something equally simple — a platter of nuts or dried fruits.

I am glad that my daughter has always wanted something simpler for her birthdays and Christmas presents so far — something like a red balloon or a few flowers, some books, or painting supplies.

A gift should bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. If a myriad of options is making it more stressful, then there is no shame in being and thinking simple.

While a simple gift will not significantly change your life or reduce your stress, it will definitely be one less thing to worry about.

And if you think of all those people whom you love and want to buy gifts for, the holiday season can become extremely stressful both emotionally and financially.

The word ‘simple’ gets a bad rep these days. However, after living in the Netherlands for about six years, I realized it’s the simple pleasures in life that make life so meaningful. So I let go of my ego and perfectionism in favor of simplicity.

So go ahead and give yourself the permission to live a simpler stress-free life by choosing a simpler gift for your loved ones. It is indeed the thought that counts.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy your holidays.

What are you letting go of this year?

Here’s a great article by Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles where she writes how ‘letting go’ can be a sign of strength.

Sometimes Losing is Winning

Because letting go is a sign of strength

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