How would you react if you received an orange as a gift at Christmas? Your thought bubble would probably say: 'What a cheapskate.'

You might also regret having spent so much more on your gift to that person.

Yet, centuries ago, oranges were a rare treat and it was a privilege to receive even one. More common yuletide gifts included homemade foods and handcrafted items.

Life was simpler then. Shopping malls and advertising had yet to be devised, turning us into the avaricious consumers we've become.

That wonderful tradition of showing love and appreciation through an exchange of gifts is now often an exercise in absurdity. Think about it - how many gifts will you be giving because you

have to, not because you want to.

We all get caught up in the fever of buying and giving because it is expected of us. We give and then expect other people to reciprocate. If they didn't, we'd feel disappointed and they would feel embarrassed.

It has reached the point where the important thing is that you come bearing gifts. The gift itself is less important. The ritual involves duty rather than pleasure.

Of course, unlike mediaeval gift-givers, we can no longer spend our evenings carving ornate tables, firing glass goblets or knitting garments. But let's not lose sight of the purpose of exchanging gifts.

After all, the dictionary definition of a gift is something that pleases and honours the recipient.

So how do you achieve that for all the people on your gift list in the limited time you have?

What I try to do each year came from a friend's great tip: Don't start shopping for Christmas gifts in December - do that all year long.

The idea is to buy gifts that suit your family and friends, as and when you see them. Salt them away till the end of the year - you will only need a bit of cupboard space. It is easier on your wallet too.

Most of all, gifts like these, not bought in a hurry, could be so much more meaningful.

gloria@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.