Personalized Gift Giving, a Timeless Tradition
The tradition of gift giving appears to originate from the Roman
practice of presenting the Emperor, and each other with good
luck tokens. At first these gifts were simple, such as a few
twigs from a sacred bush, or a variety of foods. As it
ultimately happens, this practice broadened in an effort to
receive special favors or to impress, so that more precious
gifts were given, clothing, gold or silver items. While most of
this giving was done on a voluntary basis, history has had its
share of leaders who did their best to make gift giving
mandatory. By the late nineteenth century the simple and
non-materialistic gift giving tradition had began to dwindle
away. Gift giving had begun to take on a very commercial face,
and was becoming a booming industry. Today, the gifts and
decorative accessories market reached sales of $35.97 billion.
Throughout the world, many cultures mark their special holidays,
or occasions with gifts and food. As a result, the etiquette of
gift giving is very important. A general lack of cultural
knowledge can lead to misunderstandings which may result in an
insult rather than a gift. In any case, gifts are all about
expressing a sense of gratitude, happiness, and plentitude.
Gifts can be classic, gifts can be personalized, even a little
humorous, but the ones which are funny, clever, and useful are
the ones that are remembered.
Giving and receiving gifts properly is an important part of
business. Rewarding employees, or associates is a vital
instrument of good business. Making full disclosures, and open
declarations of this intent maintains the moral fiber of this
practice. When there is secrecy or deception involved, this
tears at that moral fiber, and destroys the true value, and
morals of gift giving. Without question, this behavior should
not be tolerated.
Gift giving has become a time-honored tradition that seems to
become more deeply rooted with time. Over time, this wonderful
tradition has grown more complicated and more stressful. On
occasion, the original purpose behind the tradition gets
clouded, and the gift giving takes on a life of its own.
Nevertheless, gift giving will always touch our hearts in a very
special way.