Every year, the same scenario repeats over and over: You enter a store with a vague idea of what to purchase and end up spending hours buying a variety of gifts that you’re not entirely confident the recipients will appreciate. You reassure yourself that it’s the sentiment behind the gifts that matters most but secretly wonder if they’ll even remember what you gave them by the time New Year’s festivities begin. For so many people nowadays, gift shopping during the holiday season seems to be more about completing a checklist than showing true consideration for others. It has turned into a mere transaction rather than something that creates connections. Perhaps this year it might be worth taking a moment to reflect and ponder: What is the true purpose behind all these presents that we exchange?

Gift-giving has, in many ways, become underlined by consumerism. What was once a heartfelt gesture has begun to be associated with crowded stores, stressful shopping sprees, and spending too much money. Instead of spreading happiness, it often leaves us feeling drained, both mentally and financially. We see a lot of waste during the holiday season, too. Just imagine all of the wrapping paper and packaging that gets tossed out each year. Let’s not forget about those gifts that end up unused or returned, either; it seems as if the holidays are generating more trash than joy. However, the main problem we face is that we seem to have forgotten the reason behind giving gifts; a valuable gift is not solely defined by its cost or brand name but rather by the consideration, care put into selecting it, and the message that it conveys of the recipient holding significance in your life. “True generosity isn’t about how much you give, it’s about how much thought you put into it,” stated Juno Kim ’25. He also said, “The best gifts are the ones that show you truly know and care for the person.” Imagine an instance where emphasis is placed not on your expenditures but on your sentiments towards others. What if you took a moment to consider what would genuinely bring joy to someone, rather than hurrying to purchase gifts?

Giving a present doesn’t always have to be lavish; it can be as sweet as writing down your feelings in a letter or reminiscing about times together while showing appreciation for one another’s presence in your life. It could also involve crafting something, with your hands, like a batch of cookies or knitting a scarf, or putting together a scrapbook full of treasured memories you’ve both shared. These gestures require dedication and care, which often hold more value for themselves than any store-bought gift ever could. Creating experiences together often holds more worth than material possessions. There’s something about attending a concert or participating in a cooking class together that creates lasting memories unlike anything else. A planned day out exploring the city or nature’s beauty has the power to create moments that far surpass the joy of acquiring new devices or fashionable clothing items. For those who appear to already possess everything they might desire, a thoughtful gesture such as donating to a cause they care about on their behalf might be a meaningful gift that resonates with them deeply. Rethinking the act of giving gifts doesn’t require discarding tradition; it involves reshaping it. Opting to shop within your community or selecting environmentally-friendly presents can enhance the sustainability of your gift-giving while also contributing to the well-being of those around you, too. Similarly, prioritizing quality over quantity has the potential to decrease both waste and feelings of pressure and anxiety. Ultimately, the most precious gifts aren’t material possessions, but rather the time we share with those we hold dear. Whether it’s sharing a meal and laughter, watching a festive film as a family or simply catching up in our fast-paced world, moments together are what make the holiday experience worthwhile.

This holiday season, let’s shift our focus from the hurried life to something more heartfelt. Let’s choose presents that show thoughtfulness and affection, gifts that spread happiness without contributing to the commotion of it all. When you remove all the decorations and wrapping paper, what truly matters the most is the bond we have with each other. That connection is something that money can’t buy.