Michi Mathias. illustration & comics.
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on Christmas shopping...

18/12/2014

7 Comments

 
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A couple of months ago, I happened to come across an unusual old book on a niche subject my partner is keen on.  I bought it, thinking of giving it to him for Christmas.... then reconsidered.  Why wait, just to "solve the problem" of maybe not having something nice to give on one particular day of the year?

And when my son recently expressed curiousity about how the different variety of cheeses come about, and I found a cheese-making kit soon after that, it occured to me to save it for Christmas.  But again, this was something I wanted to give him, not simply to meet a "need" for a thing to unwrap under a tree. 

A gift given for no reason seems to me far more significant than one that must be given to fulfil an imposed expectation.  When my friend gave me a lovely glass recently, it was because she'd noticed I could use one, not because of any sense of obligation to do with the date.  

Don't we tell our children not to follow the crowd, to think for themselves, not to do things merely because "everybody else" is?  Surely a gift chosen for the joy of giving, without time pressure, without a feeling of duty, is almost by definition going to be better than one bought to beat a deadline. 

I'm not even talking here about the waste, the pointless plastic landfill fodder, the environmental damage in production and tranport and disposal of the sort of novelty items seen everywhere that serve no function but to be given away (before being thrown away). 

This year, for the first time, we have agreed a no-present pact in our family.  We all like giving, and we will continue to do so, as and when it's the right thing.  

7 Comments
Gina
19/12/2014 04:08:26 am

Love the comic strip and totally agree with the sentiment......we in our family decided many years ago to make something for each other, being a family of cooks and artists; I love to spend time planning and thinking of the recipient......it is a joy rather than a chore!

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Michi
19/12/2014 07:01:46 am

Such a good way to do it, Gina! I've often thought about something like that, but never managed yet...

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Richard Pettitt link
19/12/2014 04:31:06 am

Hahaha! Well put Michi. It's the forced giving that is so ridiculous. Giving is so much more genuine when it's spontaneous. Brilliant comic.

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Michi
19/12/2014 07:03:35 am

Thanks, Rich.

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Patrice Aggs
19/12/2014 06:50:41 am

agree !00%. This is why I hate Christmas

Reply
Michi
19/12/2014 07:07:08 am

Cheers, Patrice. There's got to be a better way to celebrate the returning of the light, which is what the whole thing is all about, really!!

Reply
Candy
25/12/2014 10:37:39 pm

I'm reading this on Boxing day - and yet again, fell into the trap of spending far more than I can really afford on presents, food and wine. Your post is very timely, Michi - for next year! (why do I do it? .....)

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