Christmas
GIFTS
True to the spirit of O. Henry's classic short story, we can hardly think of a Christmas without Gifts.
Christmas is a unique festival of merry making and gift-giving. The tradition of giving gifts in this season owes its origin to the Magi who came from the east of Jerusalem to greet the Babe in the manger with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Magi were wise men and their gifts were emblematic of tribute, worship and death - of Christ considered as King, God and the sacrificial Victim.
Though Magi are associated more with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6, they can be regarded as the pioneer in gift-giving tradition following the birth of Jesus. In America gift giving has come to be associated with the Christmas not long ago. It came in with the introduction of St. Nicholas in America by the early Dutch settlers. But, giving gifts at New Year was a common practice, specially among the English and the French settlers. But the combined German and Dutch influences in time caused all gift-giving to be carried out at Christmas.
New York has had through the years a close association with X'mas gift giving tradition. This tradition was more inspired by many writers and artists who've had glorified the gift-giving culture along with the Santa. And it had been New York with which all their works could somehow be attributed. From Dr. Clement Clark Moore to cartoonist Thomas Nast, Washington Irving to O' Henry all happened to be a New Yorker. Even Charles Dickens read his "A Christmas Carol" in N.Y.
Gift Ideas
Gifts can be classic, gifts can be wacky, but loveable and memorable are the ones which are funny, clever, convenient and useful.
Christmas gifts embrace so much of variety, it's amazing to see their range and diversity.
With so many things to gift with, most of us turn into a confused lot pondering over. Which gift would be apt? Which one is to be given to the near and dear ones, to businesses and bosses, to clients and colleagues and..., well your head starts reeling.
So don't let ideas take over you. Keep your head cool. Chill out with some perky holiday music. Get a beverage, get your Christmas list ready, clear your head, and here you go!
We have worked on some gift ideas and idea-lines for the festive season of Christmas. Hope you will find them handy and nifty as well.
We also give some shopping links below, so you can shop from the comfort of your home. Please do use them to indulge in your season's shopping spree and help us serve you better.
As simple as a bunch of nice flowers, or a basket of season's fruits; a box of candy or a pack of chocolates; a piece of toy or a rare species of sprouting plant; an item of trivia or an object d'art; sheer utilities like a set of cutlery or something that pampers luxury like a box of jewelry...The list can go on and on. However, it ultimately rests on the tastes of both the gift-giver and the recipient's, the background of their relationship, along with their age and the social background. And also remember, gifts might not necessarily be rich and glamorous in their worldly possession, but make sure that they're rich at heart.
