"Take a good look!" my mother would tell me as we left someones house after visiting on Christmas day.
"Take a good look at the gifts you bought those kids because they won't be here next time you visit."
Mother was always right.
Gifts have no meaning beyond monetary value for some people.
Why can't people be a little considerate and tell us, "Please don't get me a gift. I am much happier with money."
I've offered things to one of my brothers, "Hey brother, can you use this? Would you like to have it?"
"Yea! I like that, I can put it to use."
Two weeks later I come by and he has a price tag on it in his garage sale.
Sent another brother some well regarded CD's. "Do you like them?" "Yea, they sound good."
Noticed while reviewing my Amazon orders for this year that he sent half of them back.
My sister wanted to be a writer so I thought I would get her some fiction. Those books have never been read.
Got a niece and nephew who can't tell me about one gift I have ever given them, and I have been generous. Never kept anything long enough to form any memories.
It's all a matter of perception. If someone is special to you, you will remember the things they give you.
If you only see yourself as special than nothing given to you will ever be good enough.
This is not about the Eric Hoffer book but he still might turn up from time to time.
