Giving gifts is not something superficial, but a vital aspect of human behavior. In these times of pandemic, entertaining others takes on greater value.
Thinking about the Christmas season comes with the expectation of giving and receiving a good gift. But a big budget isn’t the only way to positively impact someone’s life. “A gift is the manifestation of a thought”, said expert Aileen Avery, author of The history and art of gift giving. “Any gift or act of kindness, large or small, is born from a thought: to make another human being feel happiness.”
An eye-catching gift can generate chord, resonant, emotional reactions, but the power of the little moments will make a difference in a festive season that for some will be, perhaps for the second time, more silent, austere and thoughtful than before.
Researchers believe that Giving gifts is not a superficial matter, but is an important aspect of human behavior (It is the object of study by a team from the Department of Biology at the University of Oslo). Originally, we used it to test our skills in front of a potential mate.
Such research shows that the reciprocal nature of gifts — receiving one makes us look for something to give in return — is etched into our basic instincts.
And the simplest reason, says speaker, entrepreneur, and leadership expert Peter Bregman, is that We give gifts because we care about the other, because we get involved.
“That ‘giving is better than receiving’ is true,” Avery reaffirms. “When we give to others, it benefits us as much as it does them. Especially in a time of adversity, as was the year 2020 (and as for many it was 2021). We need connection between us, and a simple act of kindness achieves a lot, both for our mental health and for the happiness of others ”.
Science supports the writer. The Association for the Sciences of Psychology puts it this way: “The joy of giving lasts longer than the joy of receiving” (Psychological Science, 2018).
For most, the distancing has been dissipating at the end of this year, observes Abbud’s Denisse Dunn, who shares her protocol expertise through the renowned Instagram account. @TheFormalWay.
She agrees that the details do not necessarily have to be expensive, but they should be gestures of affection, especially when someone is preparing to receive us, given the current conditions. Even if the meeting is collaborative, he recommends think about the host. Make it meaningful, make your love known. Do not dismiss a card, sometimes it will be more heartfelt than the gift.
Of course, if you are thinking of giving an object with Christmas motives, know that these types of presents are given in the first days of December, so that your friend has the opportunity to use it throughout the month.
Having said that, Christmas gifts are generally to be given before December 24, but it’s okay to give until January 6. Accompany them with a note that specifies who it is for and, above all, the thought that motivated that gift.
Did you get something by courier? Call or write to thank whoever sent it to you, even if you have a habit of waiting for Christmas to open it. Surely the person has been attentive to what you like or need for some time. What if he likes me? Do not exaggerate or lie. Just thank it.
Relearn how to celebrate the holidays
If the 2020 holiday season was the year to cancel everything, 2021 is about figuring out how to get our groove back. Weddings have been held for months and families get together to celebrate the holidays with grandparents, aunts and uncles. But smaller social events with friends – get-togethers, cocktails, and end-of-the-year parties – started slower, as such gatherings often rank lower on the social priority list.
Add to the equation the recent increase in cases and a new variant that perhaps we should be concerned about; that is to say, some hosts and guests might think better before huddling in a house or an apartment.
Communicate the rules of the evening on time
So there are new rules for a friendly host to learn in the middle of a pandemic. Making guests feel comfortable is no longer just about nameplates and signature cocktails. It is also about providing hand sanitizer, space between seats, and vaccination protocols. People have different levels of comfort when it comes to COVID-19. So be clear in your invitation what those levels are.
“The best host is the one that provides the most information”said Mary Giuliani, a catering entrepreneur in Manhattan. “The more information you share, the better.” And he added: “We are all re-entering in different phases. I find that it is actually useful to establish in detail what is going to happen at the party ”.
If the meeting is indoors, will the windows be open? If so, and you are in a cold room, remind guests to bring a sweater. If the event will be without a mask, notify the guests before they arrive. Set your vaccination rules too. If you plan to restrict the guest list to those who are fully vaccinated, tell the guests. and explain how you will enforce that policy.
“You can tell people, ‘Right beforehand, let’s get all the exams so we can feel comfortable, comfortable and able to hang out together,'” said Amanda Hudes, a wedding and event planner in New Jersey.
Create an environment that feels spacious so guests can spread out. If you have outdoor space, make it accessible, even if the party is largely indoors. If you are planning an indoor dinner, don’t clutter the tables and group people based on their homes or their closest friends, instead of mixing them. Create corners in the space where people can stay alone or with another guest in comfort, without feeling like they are hiding.
“It’s a good idea to have the chairs a little apart, have disinfectants, and open some windows,” Hudes said. “Whatever keeps the air flowing and people really feel good and comfortable with each other and just get to have fun again.”
Subtly emphasize hygiene to your guests
As tempting as it may be to set up a table with cold cuts, it is advisable to avoid shared dishes. Instead, offer each guest an individual plate or box of appetizers. A personalized box “is adorable,” Kertzner said. “You can have crackers, cheese, salami, whatever you want to put on it. And he wraps it with a nice bow ”.
Instead of serving mixed drinks, like a big bowl of punch, Offer individual cans of beer, wine, or soda water. With a wide selection, guests will be happy, and additionally, you will have fewer glasses to wash at the end of the night.
Take out bottles of hand sanitizer to make guests comfortable. Leave some paper towels in the bathrooms to dry your hands after washing. And even if you organize an event without a mask, place a basket of disposable masks, in case someone feels anxious during the night.
“Keep everything simple,” Kertzner said. “If you feel like you need a mask, here you will have a mask.” And so you can celebrate your party. (F)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
