This is a time of year for celebration.  Cleverly labeled, we call this the holiday season.  It is a time of getting together with family and friends enjoying good food and other libations and for many, giving and receiving gifts.

Whether associated with a religious celebration (e.g., Christmas, Hanukkah) or just a milestone (e.g., New Year’s day) the spirit of giving (and getting) is prominent.

Aging Population

As the baby boomers grow old their need for material thing’s lessens.   Often their real desire is to share new experiences and memories with their friends and family.

For empty nesters,(i.e.,  co-habitant adults whose progeny have left their childhood home) the real gift is simply the presence of their loved ones. To play on words, presence not presents.

The Joy of Giving

While I do not have empirical evidence, my observation over time coupled with personal experience is giving a gift is more fullfilling than receiving.

Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy it when I am given something.  More than the thing being given though is just the good feeling I get knowing that someone cares about me enough to displays it with a present.

On the other hand the personal feeling of joy and pleasure that spreads through my entire being when I gift someone else is huge.   Giving makes me feel good and my observations of others is this behaviour is not just isolated to me.

Remember though, the gift does not need to be tangible, just a hug or a handshake can often be more than enough.  Of course, you need to be there to do that.