By Charlotte Webster-
The pressure and beauty of Christmas presents on the fact of it sounds contradictory.
However, there can be no denying that Christmas time can be pressurising when it comes to Christmas presents.
The challenge of having to find worthy Christmas presents for loved ones isn’t easy for everyone. If one has siblings and a partner, then the pressure of finding a present suitable for each is quite something. That pressure is multiplied for those with children too.
Children always take priority because no child wants to hear an excuse why they have not got a Christmas present. Every child deserves and wants a Christmas present they like. It is also true that no partner, husband or wife, wants to hear your excuse why you haven’t got them a Christmas present. Especially if they have got you one.
The pressure of Christmas can be every daunting, with many of us wanting it over and done with quickly. Looking at it from the position of one on the receiving end , receiving a Christmas present is such a nice feeling. The surprise element is intriguing, more so when the awareness that the giver of the present will only give a present you would like.
Giving presents to a number of people means having the money for it, or at least finding it if you don’t have it. The harsh reality in our modern day of commerce and materialism is that it is just too bad if you can’t afford it. Your child, sibling, or partner will feel unappreciated if you leave them out whilst their friends have had presents thrown at them left right and centre.
Whether the pressure is worth it for struggling families is a different matter entirely. How do they cope? One of my mates is 26 years old, two years younger than myself. She has three children (the oldest is 9 and the youngest is 3)a partner and three siblings. She is on a modest £15k a year, has bills and a car insurance to attend to as part of her responsibility. She lives in Kent and gave me her permission to include her in my article, without mentioning her name.
Every year, she gives her children and siblings Christmas and birthday presents. Her boyfriend of two years is not in work so brings nothing to the table. I’ve told her to get rid, but she is hooked. If she doesn’t please each one of her family members and her partners, she will feel a void there.
In a sense, Christmas is a time at the end of the year for all to show they have earned enough to make those around them feel happy. Christmas presents don’t even count or take into account the financial demands of being able to go out and enjoy the festive season. That is an extra demand for those who want to be able to go to events and meet people and have a good time.
It would be much easier if we could show our appreciation and love throughout the year to those we care for, without the extra burden of finding a Christmas present for all those close to us. Yet, the look and feel of a Christmas Present is so beautiful. There is nothing like it, especially for children. We adults like it too. Receiving a present you like cheers the soul up immediately.
Those who receive loads know the feeling, but those who don’t give loads can never understand the pressure. The pressure is only balanced with the beauty for those have managed to have or save enough to give. And when the year ends nicely enough with an all round greater plan for a happy year ahead, Christmas is ever so beautiful.