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Just recently, Radio Veritas (The Flagship Catholic Radio Station in the Philippines) released the results of a survey on the most preferred Gift for Christmas. This Survey uses a stratified random sample of 1,200 respondents nationwide for a +/- 3% margin of error (gathered through a text-based and online data gathering process from an existing database of previous face-to-face on-ground interviews) the following information is indicative of the respondents’ preference on what kind of Christmas Gift would they prefer, inclusive of the dates covering November 1–30, 2022.
When asked, “What kind of Gift they would prefer for Christmas?” 38% of the respondents preferred Gift in Cash, 32% preferred Gift in Kind, 22% said it does not matter (whether cash or kind) and that it is the thought that counts, and finally 8% were left undecided.
“Though there is a clear choice from the respondents. Still, the best interest of the receiver must dictate the kind of gift we are to give … be it a gift item or money. Always bear in mind that, ‘It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving’ (Mother Teresa). So, in the end, the amount thoughtfulness and love that we factor-in in choosing either GIFT or CASH would reveal the true value of the gift we are to give” (Fr. Anton CT Pascual, President, Radio Veritas).
The Survey further reveals that though both Male and Female responders likewise prefer Cash Gifts more female respondents at 39% versus 37% male respondents preferred cash for their Christmas Gift. 32% Male and 33% Female preferred Gift in Kind; 27% Male and 18% Female said it does not matter (whether cash or kind) and that it is the thought that counts, and finally 4% Male and 10% Female respondents were left undecided.
When analyzed by Age, Teenagers (ages 13-20 years old) at 58% preferred Gift in Kind, 17% for Gift in Cash, 17% likewise said it does not matter (whether cash or kind) and that it is the thought that counts, and lastly 8% were left undecided; For Young Adults (ages 21-39 years old) 53% preferred Gift in Cash, 25% for Gift in Kind, 15% said it does not matter (whether cash or kind) and that it is the thought that counts, and finally 7% were left undecided; For Adults (ages 40-60 years old) 35% each preferred Gift in Cash and in Kind, 27% said it does not matter (whether cash or kind) and that it is the thought that counts, and 3% were left undecided; To finish, for Elderly respondents (ages 61 and above) 34% preferred Gift in Cash, 31% for Gift in Kind, 23% said it does not matter (whether cash or kind) and that it is the thought that counts, and finally 12% were left undecided;
The better people know each other, in terms of values, personality, humor and hopes, the more special and subtle they can be in choosing the perfect gift. A perfect gift is the one the recipient really wants, enjoys and appreciates, and possibly would not buy for him or herself. In short, ideal gifts are those that are still treasured after many years. The perfect gift is wanted, needed, deserved and appreciated. It has to be very thoughtfully and carefully chosen.
Giving CASH is the most convenient “present” we can give. It frees us from the burden of thinking what best fits the godchild we intend to give a gift to, and with all the Christmas rush (and traffic woes) we are likewise spared from all the hassle of finding that right and appropriate gift we know our godchild would like and come to appreciate. So, when we give cash as a gift, we rationalize such gift-giving process by saying that the child or their parents (our “Kumpare” or “Kumare”) can simply use the money to buy the items they would truly need or use.
Though, it can be argued that giving cash only teaches “materialism” to a child, who in an early age can still not appreciate the value of money … and that in some cases only ends up in the wallets of their parents. Godparents can give money and use this as a “teachable moment” where they can impart the value of savings, and the virtue of a need versus a want.
On the other hand, a conscientiously selected gift item bears with it an element of sacrifice which gives additional meaning to the gift. Consider this: “One Christmas morning, one of the natives brought the missionary a seashell of lustrous beauty. When asked where he had discovered such an extraordinary shell, the native said that he walked many miles to a certain bay. ‘Thank you!’ exclaimed the missionary with gratitude, ‘It was wonderful of you to travel so far to get this lovely gift for me.’ His eyes brightening, the native answered, ‘Long Walk part of the gift!’” (Gerald Horton Bath)
Moreover, as we give time, energy, thought and love in selecting that gift item for each of our loved ones, we reveal our personality and our generosity as a human being. Buying and giving a gift item is an opportunity to show who we really are. In fact, part of who we are is likewise contained in each and every gift we give. Thus, in gift giving … the giver becomes more important than the gift itself.
