Share Your World – Week of December 23, 2024

Published on by Yinglan

1.  What is the best or worst gift you have ever received?

My best and worst gift are the same – money. I say it’s the best and the worst because it’s dependent on the circumstance. Last night, my aunt came over and give me 2 red envelope – the same red envelopes that are normally handed out during Lunar New Year. I’m nearing my mid-30’s. Red envelopes are normally handed to little kids. I didn’t want the money because it made me feel cheap. In my mind, adults don’t give adults money unless it’s owed. That just shows how my family sees me.

I feel like after a certain age, money becomes the worst gift one can ever receive. Some of you may not agree but to me, receiving money from relatives makes me feel like a prostitute looking for handouts.

2. What is the funniest gift you’ve ever given or received?

I always get some fun gifts at the annual department Christmas party. I think of all the years I’ve been with the company, the funniest gift has to be a pair of men’s socks. It was funny because it was wrapped in the fanciest box imaginable. It totally fooled me during the gift exchange. It was in a box that once held kitchen knives but when I opened it up, a pair of socks that were way too big for my feet were staring back at me. Thankfully, I could exchange the socks for a gift card at the store.

3.  Do you purchase a gift specifically with a recipient in mind or buy something you like and hope they do?

I no longer buy any gift for anyone other than for the annual gift exchange in the department. That’s always fun to watch my co-workers open the gift to find a surprise inside. I usually try to go for unique. Last year, it was a set of body wash and body lotion. This year, my gift was a counter-top s’mores maker, which I actually purchased with kids in mind since my co-workers all have kids and grandkids.

4.  Have you ever recycled/ passed on an unwanted or unsuitable gift?

Other than the socks, which I exchanged for a gift card at the store, I’ve never recycled or passed on any unwanted gift. My mom has, though, passed the gifts I received (whether I wanted or not) to our neighbors and vice versa.

Share Your World

15 thoughts on “Share Your World – Week of December 23, 2024”

    1. I got a few gift cards at my department’s gift exchange this year. Unfortunately, it’s not the same in the family. There’s always ulterior motives when it comes to money giving in the family. It’s often more of a bribe than gift.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I find that kind of sad. Cash or a gift card is acceptable as a gift here, especially for family we don’t see from one year to the next and have no idea what their tastes are. I have to admit though I don’t buy for family in the UK anymore for that reason. They don’t bother with us so I just send a card for birthdays and Christmas.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I bought gifts for everyone in the family during their first Christmas in the U.S. but all I got were complaints and red envelopes (which are not Christmas traditions). Apparently, everyone preferred something else other than my gift. So from then on, I’m never getting anyone anything.

        Like

  2. We stopped buying gifts for anyone a few yeas ago. We give cash money to kids and grown ups and everyone loves the money and looks forward to receiving it. Then they can go buy whatever they want. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The thing is money giving in my family always comes with ulterior motives. There’s no such thing as “gift” in my family. Now that I got my aunt’s money, I have a feeling I’ll be paying back next year.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Anything you want to ask? Want to know?