Gifts can give as much pleasure to the giver as the receiver. — AFP
As the holiday season approaches, gift-giving is at the forefront of many people's minds.
Historically, the acts of giving and receiving are a deeply-rooted tradition.
According to the Historia.net website, gifts and offerings can be traced as far back as the "archaic societies" of Polynesia, Africa and many Native American tribes.
Originally, this exchange made it possible to conclude alliances, to reinforce social bonds or to seal a marriage, for example.
It was a means of communication, the scope of which surpassed that of the spoken word.
It could also serve as a form of dialogue with a superior force, as is the case with offerings dedicated to deities.
In short, before winding up wrapped at the foot of a tree, the concept of the gift has crossed the ages and spanned traditions.
But these days, when the holiday season comes around, the question on everyone's minds is what gifts they should buy.
"Gifts are an expression of feeling," explains Dr Bonnie Buchele, an American psychoanalyst based in Kansas City in the United States, speaking to The New York Times.
But she says that the real question we should ask ourselves is "what do I want to say here with this gift".
And within this question lies, among other things, the spirit of the holiday celebrations.
Giving is the greatest gift
When it comes to sharing gifts, you probably feel the excitement of giving your gift and seeing a smile on your loved one's face.
But where does this feeling of happiness come from?
To understand it, we need to look at what's going on in the brain.
When gifts are exchanged, the reward circuit is stimulated, causing the secretion of dopamine, the happiness hormone.
But that's not the only thing happening.
A second process is underway – that of empathy.
This sensation is called the "vicarious" or indirect reward, as described in a 2015 study from Stanford University in the US.
In fact, it's proven that giving promotes happiness.
A 2008 study conducted by a Canadian team from the University of British Columbia analysed the effects of spending money on others.
The results were clear.
"Spending more of one's income on others predicted greater happiness," explain the researchers.
This idea is highlighted in a further study, in which Swedish researchers analysed happiness related to spending.
The specialists noted that the level of happiness was higher when spending was linked to the happiness of others.
Choosing a gift
To be sure to please, the best approach is to identify the needs and desires of your loved one.
Be attentive to clues in conversations or in the person's schedule, for example.
This kind of "investigation" will allow you to better understand the person.
Plus, among other things, this active research can help save time on your holiday shopping, especially if you leave it to the last minute.
If this process proves particularly difficult, then consider opting for environmentally-friendly gifts, which cause an "emotional lift" in the recipient.
According to the science channel BrainCraft, handmade gifts or donations to charity have the same effect. – AFP Relaxnews
