Present; To Keep or Not to Keep, That is the Question!

Oh, it’s my birth-month! I don’t like that I am getting older again. And I don’t feel like celebrating at all. With all the chaos happening around the world, it just doesn’t feel right to be celebrating but then again, being alive in the midst of these trying times is such a great blessing. So yes, it is nice to be another year wiser.

Birthdays and special occasions call for presents. Big or small, it is nice to receive something. It is the thought that counts indeed. Presents are always good.

However, there are times when we receive something that are nice but kind of impractical. I consider a present as practical if I am able to use it in any way apart from being a good display item. But of course, for me, food is the best present out there! So whenever I receive something that I think I won’t be able to put to good use, it becomes my dilemma. Refusing it is out of the question. That is downright rude! But I don’t want to offend the bearer by letting the present accumulate dust as well. I want to show off to that person that hey, your present is serving its purpose well! I use them as soon as possible or eat it at my heart’s content if it is something edible.

Once on my birthday, I received clothes that are far too big for me, It was really cute and stylish but there is no way it would fit me even if I gain a few more pounds. Turned out the sales staff gave the wrong size upon changing the color as well. I kept it for a while but seeing it just hanging in the closet left unused made me feel really bad. But I have this personal rule that if it is a present, don’t give them away. But the sight of the lovely clothes really bothered me. Clothes are meant to be worn and flaunted!

After weeks of mulling over what to do with it, I asked the person who gave it to me, who happened to be my now ex. I asked his permission if I could give his present to someone whom I thought would look really good in it. It went with lengthy explanation because I don’t want to make him feel bad about his choice either. After much thought, he allowed me to do so saying it was mine anyway. I can do pretty much anything I please. Still, that didn’t take away the nick in my conscience. So what do you think of what I did?

Presents hold not only practical but also sentimental value. Most of the presents I keep hold good memories and meaning but giving them away doesn’t mean I don’t value them as much. The practical side of me usually takes precedence over sentiments, that’s all.But don’t get me wrong. Trust me, I have boxes full of mementos and souvenirs collected through the years,too. But I appreciate the same thing if I were the giver. Seeing my gifts being used and worn and torn makes me feel good. I don’t mind seeing it worse for wear. It rather makes me feel proud that I chose the right present.

However, I have this peculiar, or should I say, realistic way for choosing a present for someone. I directly ask the person what he or she wants. I even go as far as asking them to choose anything and I will just pay. It spoils the fun I know. I don’t like surprises myself that is why I feel like others may be the same. Some people are delighted of my way but others say I kill the fun. So if you prefer to be surprised, tell me in advance and I’d happily oblige to choose and keep my present a secret from you until the big day. But be warned, my choices are terrible!

So which do you prefer? And what do you do with the presents you receive? I understand that some people would like to preserve them as long as possible so they inhibit themselves from wearing them out. But if it is from me, feel free to use and abuse them. That would delight me more.