Christmas gift anxiety happens more than you think when having to choose gifts for your friends and family members. Do you find that when you are having to shop during the holidays for gifts that you may experience heart palpitations, a nervous stomach, sweaty palms and even a slight headache? To compound it more, last-minute gift buying also can also cause anxiety.
The holidays are supposed to be full of joy and good cheer. The act of gift giving is always followed by the idiom, “It’s better to give than receive. ” However, it really doesn’t mean much to someone that suffers from fear and apprehension when it 禮品 comes down to gift giving and in some cases receiving gifts from others. The reasons for anxiety by some gift givers appear to be reasonable and understandable. For example, some people suffer because of the following:
Gift giving is awkward: A person that is shy or timid usually feels this way and attempts to provide a gift in a manner that is comfortable for them. This usually takes the form of leaving the gift in conspicuous place for the recipient to find or giving the person the gift knowing they will not see the recipient for an extended period of time.
Worry that gift will not be original or creative: The giver experiences anxiety with the mere thought of what type of gift would be appropriate or reasonable for the recipient. It boils down to whether the person will like the gift or will have any practical use for it. The anxiety forms thinking that the gift won’t be good enough or that someone else may have bought the same gift for the recipient.
No money to buy a gift: If you don’t have money to spend for a gift this can cause anxiety also especially if you’re in a situation where gift giving is expected. It’s embarrassing having to explain why you can’t purchase a gift. Further, some people make their stress worse by having to borrow money to purchase a gift when not providing a gift would be acceptable. Most people usually know each others’ circumstances and do not have an expectation of being given a gift.
Other reasons for gift giving anxiety is that the gift won’t be reciprocated, some recipients do not like having to open gifts in front of others, become anxious if they feel they will receive a gift that they already have and sometimes their anxiety is caused if they are at a loss on how to respond to someone that has given them a gift.
How to Decrease Gift Anxiety During the Holiday
Gift giving is not a competition: Anxiety occurs when you’re worrying about what to buy and whether the person will like it. It’s just impossible to be able to predict the outcome once the gift is given. Put your best foot forward and talk to some great gift givers you know that may be able to help you with choosing the perfect gift.
Remember what you value most about the Christmas holidays: Some people believe in giving from the heart without reciprocation. Christmas is about giving, thoughtfulness and happiness. Instead of dwelling on how your gift is going to be received, think more about your reason for giving it. If it is given with heartfelt sincerity and happiness you won’t have to worry about anticipating a possible push back because your gift wasn’t appreciated.
Try focusing more on the recipient, than yourself: This may be easier said than done. Because sometimes the gift can either enhance or change a relationship no matter if the recipient is an acquaintance or family member. Do your research and gather information on the other person which could come from their assistant, family members or close friends. Don’t set yourself up for failure because of your anxiety, but reach out to others who may know the person better than you and seek their input on what would be the best gift for them.
According to researchers, gift giving anxiety is a form of social anxiety. It stems from the need for approval and the fear of being judged or rejected in some cases. The best medicine for these feelings is to develop some coping strategies for the anxiety. Understand where it is coming from and work through those feelings. You should keep a positive attitude, rely on others to assist you with gift selection (there are a lot of folks that are great at choosing gifts) and most importantly think about the season, it is for giving, love and good cheer.