UNITED STATES—This is something that truly gets underneath my skin because I cannot fathom how people think they should be telling others what they want for Christmas, especially if you’re not a child. As an adult, I see Christmas as a day for the kiddos, not the adults. Yes, you get presents for those on your list who are adults, but when an adult comes to you and tells you what they’re hoping for it is annoying. Why? I know some adults who just think they’re supposed to get gifts, yet they’re not purchasing gifts for anyone else.
There is that saying, “It’s better to give than to receive.” I have a saying though around the holidays, “If you don’t give, how do you expect to receive.” There are people I know who for years I would go above and beyond when it came to Xmas gifts, but I’m not doing that in 2024. I’m not. I relegated myself to keeping it light and really focusing on the kids and those who actually purchased gifts for me in the past. If you’re an adult who didn’t get me a gift last year, I’m not purchasing you a gift this year. Sorry not sorry.
This notion that people just expect you to give them something, but they’re not willing to share that same sentiment is annoying. Who the hell are you to think you are just owed something. You’re not owed anything, and if you think you are, open your damn eyes to see your own behavior. How about you heed those words of mine and start purchasing gifts for others and stop worrying about what you want or hope to receive.
Yeah, America, I’m really heated about this issue because one adult in my life came to me sharing what they wanted for Xmas. And I just gave them a look and medieval laugh. They might have thought it was going to happen, but I was talking in my head, “Not a chance in hell. I’m NOT spending my money on purchasing a gift you want, but you haven’t gotten me anything in the last three years.” Give me a break, give me a break.
I’m a giver at heart, and I always have been, which people tell me all the time. I have gone above and beyond in the past on Xmas for my nieces and nephews. So much to the point that my siblings didn’t really have to purchase gifts for their kids. For me I don’t expect gifts, but I will admit it does feel good when someone does actually get you a gift when you least expect it. I have maybe two people in my life that EVERY CHRISTMAS always ensures I have something under the tree to open, even though I don’t expect it. So in return, I always ensure they get a nice gift because it is my way of showing that gratitude.
Sometimes you don’t always have to say it, but a gift can speak a ton of words in the process and that is the fun of gift giving. You show your love by giving, at least that is how I do it. Yes, I still say the I love you throughout the year, but that gift is like that special icing on the cake that means a ton to me. I just want to re-direct to all those people out there always telling people what they want, how about you ask others what they want. Think about someone else and not yourself all the time.
Written By Zoe Mitchell