Wrapped in Wonder: The Joy of Gifting Beyond Needs

Socks and cardigans are always welcome, but stargazing trips spark a different kind of joy

Season’s Greetings to you who’s cosily snuggled up by the cracking fire and catching up with the earthly joys of reading, lazying around and indulging yourself in hot chocolate, tasty bites and joyous music. Chances are, you (again) worked yourself to the bone this year. This Christmas break is more than well-deserved. May it soothe your tired soul and fill those depleted batteries to the brim.

After all, self-care is the ultimate holiday gift.

And as much as one could gasp and proclaim — Christmas isn’t about presents! — they’re not entirely right… Because it is, in fact, about gifting each other with quality time and unconditional love and joy.

But then tell me, Dear Santa, why do my stockings always get filled with socks and mittens, instead of fantasy books and dragon bookmarks?

Perhaps we’re but earthly creatures clinging to the ground rather than reaching for the constellations.

On Christmas morning London yet again embraced me in its twinkling arms — I waltzed along the Thames greedily sniffing the aroma of freshly roasted almonds as my gaze was glued marvelling at the intricate architecture of Westminister and Big Ben. Sorry, the Elizabeth Tower, but honestly, do any of us, Londoners, call it that?..

Lunchtime was lovely as I found myself lured back to the Rijksmuseum, leisurely strolling around the gardens and then heading to the canals, wondering — already smelling even — what special treats small coffee shops offer around Herengracht this year?.. After all, Amsterdam is such a feast with crunchy soft delights and a generous selection of foamy coffees.

Afternoon picked up the pace as Shibuya pummeled my senses with a neon blitz. The streets of Tokyo were flooded with people — all hypnotised by the maze of flashing billboards. Because the day was busy, we felt beat to the pulp. So in the evening we just strolled around Vancouver — leisurely taking in the scenery of beautiful mountains blending into the cityscape and gorgeous bridges stretching across it.

Now, you might wonder what Christmas miracle could have teleported me across the globe (and no, I absolutely did not hijack Santa’s sleigh!..). The miracle of joyous gifts — one of the marvels nestled under my tree turned out to be an expansion pack for Mario Kart.

And sure, some might scoff at a thirty-something with a Mario Kart habit: too o̶l̶d̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶e̶r̶i̶o̶u̶s̶ mature for Nintendo games, but I beg to differ.

You see, we all have our ways of relaxation and enjoyment.

If yours is golf or cricket — then, by all means, go for it! But mine are rather different. And I appreciate when people next to me can accept (not necessarily understand) them.

It means the world when someone tries to untangle our essence by humouring us and indulging in joyous activities. It’s fine if it doesn’t work, heck, it’s even fine if people turn out to hate it. But isn’t it the thought that matters? Acknowledging different ways of living and supporting those lifestyles brings immense joy. Now isn’t that the best gift there is?

Sure, we all need socks, but it’s something we would buy either way. I welcome an expansion pack every single day of the year — those are the little things that bring the most joy because it’s the gift beyond its original purpose.

Even as an adult, I often remember my cool aunt from Germany. Sure, she was eclectic with her avant-garde wardrobe and massive statement necklaces, too modern and open-minded for her age and the times. But hell was she incredible!.. My lips curl into a cheeky smile every time I remember her visiting — tasty treats (Haribo gummy bears and, of course, Toblerone!..) and happy presents were in order!

One might think it’s not the way to treat kids, but please just bite me: many years later I still hold onto the sphere-shaped globe puzzle she gifted me when I was eleven or twelve (it sparked incredible wanderlust and interest in geography!).

And that fancy fountain pen she bought for my mock exams? Oh, lord, I felt as if I was passing a bar exam to be a state official, if not the Minister!.. I still have it and it always makes me giggle… It also reminds me of the distaste on my mum’s face when she saw me unwrapping the gift — no doubt, mum had better use for the funds paid for it!..

But there is more to gifting than just fulfilling a need. And there are more needs than the basic earthly ones — our soul too requires nourishment. The ability to see beyond one’s appearance and basic surroundings as well as the insight to address and satiate those unearthly fits of hunger is the true magic of gifts.

And it’s the joy of gifting. Because we bring immense joy to the recipient.

The best presents I ever received in my life were and still are related to my hobbies, passions and interests. Or possibly memories, dreams and wishes.

Every single fantasy book.

A retro typewriter.

A sensu (Japanese hand fan)

A red Mickey/Disneyland mug (that’ I have guarded for more than twenty years now!..)

Beautiful leather dust jackets for countless notebooks I own.

Fountain pens.

A kimono.

Tickets to book fairs and theatre shows.

True magic — be it holidays or just a day we want to make special — is in supporting the quirks that make us sparkle and bring immense joy. Even if they don’t shimmer and glimmer for anyone else.

So, this holiday season, why don’t we embrace the mismatched socks and celebrate Mario’s joyrides, for it’s in acknowledging and cherishing each other’s quirkiness that we truly gift the greatest present of all: love and acceptance.

My scribbles dive into a variety of topics. The thread of thought can be unpredictable — inspired by places, people, experiences or the occasional earworm on the playlist…

I often weave my cloth of writing unsure where the threads will lead — or if the final tapestry will hold.

Yet whether I scribble fantasy or horror, highly opinionated or research-driven pieces, I hope it leaves you with something to ponder: makes you feel better (or worse?..), strikes an inner monologue (hopefully, voiced out in the comments!) or simply gives you something to chew on, inspiring to keep the creative ball rolling.

Thank you for reading!