2018 Home for the Holidays

Page 20 2018 Home for the Holidays LINCOLN DAILY NEWS November 21, 2018 The trouble is that everyone has a different interpretation of gift giving, which makes it hard to discern if the gift is supposed to be big or expensive: 1. Expressive gifts come from the heart. They are given without any thought of receiving something in return. When you give your loved one, friend or family, a tangible piece of jewelry or an intangible gift like a cooking lesson or cleaning service, you give it because care about that person not because you expect them to reciprocate. This gift doesn’t have to be big or expensive because it is the sacrifice of the giver that is most appreciated. 2. Normative gifts are given out of respect and are expected. Whether Christmas, Mother’s Day, a birthday or an anniversary; normative gifts, which can be thoughtful, are given so no one gets hurt feelings. Should an anticipated gift not be given the neglected party may become upset or angry. A normative gift does not have to be big or expensive. A homemade card with a handwritten note of appreciation, a special photograph, or a gift certificate for a dinner together would suffice for these occasions. 3. Strategic gifts are given with the expectation of getting something in return. These types of gifts can be tricky. Sometimes, these gifts are given with the sole purpose of getting the recipient to behave favorably toward the giver. Sometimes this gift is given as a promotion between a business and the customer; the business is hoping for customer loyalty by giving a token of appreciation for their business. The quality of the strategic gift is more important than size or expense since it is a gateway to something you want, even if what you want is good will. The reality is that there are always two people involved in gift giving. It can be awkward when you receive something bigger or more expensive than the gift you gave. Even more concerning is when you are not pleased with the gift. “I know what I have given you. I Continued u