By Karla Pena
By now our Thanksgiving leftovers and post-turkey slumps are long gone as we are switching to a full-gear festive month. December marks a joyful time of year when people from many cultural backgrounds share celebration and cheer. Even if you aren't following any religion or spirituality, no one is exempt from the contagious content that both loved ones and strangers emit. With this merry season approaching, another season has already arrived: the giving season. Giving gifts invokes all sorts of positive emotions, and a few reasons behind those notions are backed by science. Although the glory of giving can sometimes add to the already heavy mental loads from the hectic holidays, have no fear, because there are other authentic ways to show thanks without having to break the bank.
Have you ever given a holiday gift before? Chances are you have done so multiple times–and you’re not alone. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 92% of Americans plan on celebrating winter holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, with over half of them planning to shop for gifts this month, rather than earlier. Consumer spending for these holidays is expected to reach a record $902 per person on average across gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items, according to a study by the NRF. This shows how significant the gifting culture is in the US, as well as the prepping that leads up to it. From deciding what to get for who, and when the best time for them to receive it is, it’s a no-brainer that exchanging gifts is popular this time of year. Despite the undoubted pressure from preparations, it’s a winter staple to give, give, give!
However, why exactly do we like to give gifts if it’s so stressful? Well, that’s because it makes our brains happy. A psychology professor at the University of Arizona, Jessica Andrews-Hanna, stated in an article that “giving gifts and receiving gifts activate core areas of our brain associated with reward and pleasure. These brain regions also stimulate the neurotransmitter dopamine.” Dopamine is a chemical messenger in our bodies that plays a major role in determining mood and implementing a “reward system,” which stems from the act of repeating behaviors that result in pleasurable and positive outcomes.
So the next time you give your family member that one-of-a-kind sweater they’ve been eyeing or a limited edition candle, the reason why the hassle of searching for it was worth it is seeing your loved one’s smile because of your present, opening the flood-gates for that feel-good hormone.
In addition to granting us elated moods, gifting also improves interpersonal relationships and strengthens social connections. Aside from the evident glee surrounding presents, they also symbolize a message. Giving gifts is one way to show appreciation and thankfulness to whoever receives one. Expressing gratitude is significant when maintaining healthy relationships and is a principle within positive psychology, a conceptual study made popular by psychologist, Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman. Positive psychology focuses on the study of how the optimal state of mind operates and the favorable actions driven by it. When gifting within personal relationships, you are showing that you care about this person whatever that gift may be, increasing that bond and making that relationship long-lasting. Presents have a place in professional settings as well, because organizational gifts for employees can lead to workers who feel more valued. This can cause increased work satisfaction and create a productive company culture with higher retention rates.
Coupled with all the pros of gift giving comes its cons as well. It would be ignorant to deny the perceivable anxiety the giving season causes. This may originate from budgeting, feeling obligated to gift items, and finding the “perfect” gift. Although these are perfectly valid reasons to dread this supposedly delightful December, there are other ways to go about showing appreciation. Before anything, focus on what makes your recipient the happiest then work from there. Making homemade gifts such as fruit baskets, letters or arts and crafts projects is always appreciated, and even more so since you’re putting actual time and effort into it. Additionally, don’t be afraid to offer experiences and services instead of materials, because a day trip to the museum or offering to look after pets can offer much more relaxation and remembrance than store-bought gifts can.
In the end, it doesn’t matter how much you spend or what you give. You and I, along with everyone else, will benefit from some gratitude this giving season.
Comments