Christmas has evolved with time, today revolving a lot around shopping and exchanging of gifts. Shops and retailers are well prepared and stocked during this time of year, attracting consumers with huge bargains and festive sales.
Across the globe, as Christians prepare to celebrate the “birth of their Saviour” and correspondingly exchange gifts, a huge portion of the rest of the world too have taken on to gifting during this time.
In Malaysia it’s no different. Christmas has become a time that is looked forward to by people of all faiths, but in a different context. It is seen as a public holiday and often associated with parties, food and merriment, outings and vacations, and indefinitely, a time to give and receive presents.
With that, this anonymous writer ponders about the giving and exchanging of gifts and comes up with a hilarious take on the various types of gifters. We hope you enjoy this comical analysis and amusing views on seven types of givers of gifts.
Call her a friend of the Earth if you may but some prefer to think of Recycle Ruth as one who simply “recycles presents”. Alright, to be fair to Ruth in relation to this article, we’ll spell out the various Recycle Ruth personalities encountered. For a start there is the Ruth who cares for the environment and makes her own gifts from recycled products. There is also the “cousin”, with the same name, who purchases products from environment-friendly centres, NGOs and organisations, as gifts to help support such causes and spread awareness. Then again, there is another “cousin”, who also goes by the same name of Recycle Ruth, but one who keeps gifts she has received and does not use for whatever reason, and gives it away when time calls for gifting. Responsible Ritas will surely appreciate receiving a present from any of these Ruths.
She also goes by other names like Thoughtful Tina and Attentive Anna - but Painstaking Penelope is one giver who is attentive. She may be one who has spent much quality time with you, yet could be one whom you meet only at weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries and such. Regardless, her senses are piqued whenever she’s with you. In somewhat like stealth-mode and as if without a care, you won’t notice the information she takes in while she tags along with you on your outings. Come Christmas, you’ll open a gift from her that is something you either said you wanted or claimed you liked. Hopefully, by the time you receive a gift from this Penelope, you’re still into what you once fancied. If not, you could take on Ruth’s disposition.
Who can say they’ve not met Logical Leanna? Down to Earth and sensible she is, so much so, gifts from her are surely handy and practical. From products for the home to toiletries, stationery to gizmos and gadgets that make day-to-day life a little easier across work and play - Leanna is one who has her head firmly on her shoulders. Gifts are meant for use and not received and kept “just because”. It should bring a smile to the receiver’s face she believes. From cute bottle openers to money clips, phone holders, keyboard gel cleaners, cord wraps, travel bag tags, oil diffusers, planners, diaries, and the list goes on. Gifts from this gal are perhaps not one’s favourite but surely one that can be put to good use.
Without a care in the world, Lackadaisical Lucy has such a carefree spirit that she doesn’t put much thought into gifting. In fact, you’ll be surprised to receive a gift from one with this personality as she probably does not put in much thought about giving of gifts or receiving them even. She probably has a little of Leanna in her (hence, the similar starting alphabet in both names), and finds it quite illogical and senseless, giving gifts, unless someone needed something in particular. Yet, she still gives, some say in the name of conforming to the norms of society, hence, her unbothered and untroubled take when it comes to buying gifts. Pressies from her could be the same - one for all - as in after shave for the men and cologne for the ladies this year from Lacky Lucy!
If you’re a Bargain Betty, you may share some traits of Lucy too. Not too bothered is Betty on buying gifts as she will, only if and when purchases come at a bargain. From buying in bulk, to shopping only during knockdown sales and unbelievable buys, or buying online - the latest trend offering great savings - Betty knows how to get maximum value for her money. She may be pennywise, one who knows all too well the value of money and doesn’t spend unnecessarily; then again, she could be Miss Moneybags who has far better means and measures and just doesn’t think too much about buying and spending her Ringgit and Sen unnecessarily.
Those on the same plane as Contemplative Carmen give gifts but of a different kind. Have you heard of the proverb “It’s the thought that counts?” This Carmen takes it almost literally, sometimes unerringly; most times giving non-materialistic gifts or something valuable and intangible. As a receiver of “gifts” from this usually introspective individual, expect to receive a clever card with good wishes online or an important message in a pretty envelope that asks you donate towards a charitable cause. Then again, you could receive a seed which if you planted and cared for, could grow into a beautiful plant, or you might get a useful app sent to your phone via a Whatsapp Christmas message. Then again, this cousin of Pensive Prunella may treat you to the spa, take you for a yoga session or an F45 workout; or even reveal a secret - to her favourite spot that is; or simply share blessings and sincere good wishes from she who simply has respect for life.
This Christmas, theSun wishes one and all happy holidays and happy festivities. Whatever gift you give or receive, may it be done with a good heart and good thoughts. For gift ideas this year, see the following articles on festive campaigns and offers from Acer, Avenue K, Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur, IPC Shopping Centre, Poh Kong, Starbucks and a contest that can win you a watch and awesome prizes from Longines under the The Swatch Group (Malaysia).
