Wrapped Gifts

Today I did a good turn. The instant work ceased, I hot-footed it to my see my friend and presented her with a gift, prettily wrapped and carefully packed, bow on top and hand-made card attached.

It was actually the lusty Romans who cemented gift-giving as a tradition. They enthusiastically celebrated the festival Saturnalia every December with a weeklong party of visiting family and friends, feasting and exchanging gifts. On the first day of January, around the Winter Solace, gifts were given. The gifts were originally evergreen branches, and later developed into cakes, to symbolize prosperity and sweetness in the coming year.

Contemplating Gift Bag D3000 f/3.5; Exposure 1/40sec; ISO-200 Aperture Priority

Contemplating Gift Bag D3000 f/3.5; Exposure 1/40sec; ISO-200 Aperture Priority

Giving gifts is a complex and important part of human interaction, helping to define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends. Indeed, it is the giver, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest psychological gains from a gift.

Look, I am all for gift-exchanges. The way I see it, if I don’t let you give me a gift, then I’m not encouraging you to think about me, what I like and how we relate. I am preventing you from experiencing the joy of engaging in all those activities. The gift of giving literally rocks people’s world. And by the way, a graceously spoken “thank you” is all that is needed in exchange.

Contemplating Gift Box D3000 f/4.5; Exposure 1/25sec; ISO-200 Aperture Priority

Contemplating Gift Box D3000 f/4.5; Exposure 1/25sec; ISO-200 Aperture Priority

About Alice

I run, I jump, I sing, I dance. Whether climbing trees, walls or stairs I do it at a clip. When out, my date is always Trusty Nikon (who never lets me down in the attire stakes; so smart in his black, with a pop of red!). Where does it lead, this love affair of mine? Well, its lead me to Dubai, via the matrimonial aisle, thanks to a gorgeous husband who whisked me from Coogee beach, Sydney into the Arabian Peninsula - to my new home, Dubai. I am a freelance writer and photographer and my wish is to snap away, to scribe and to share it all with you. Enjoy.
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