THE RECORD asked community members whether they believe in giving gifts on Christmas or not, and why. They shared some interesting views.
SIZWE MKHABELE: “No I don’t. At a certain point of ageing you need to realise that you are getting socks for Christmas. The priority should be on children.”SEVERN NAICKER: “Yes, and I believe in giving gifts with love and meaning, that embraces the spirit of Christmas. It’s all about creating and sharing happiness. This year, my gifts will be themed around ‘no plastic’.”ELRICO JOB: “The most important gift to give over Christmas is love. You need to make someone feel special during this time.”NTOMBIZODWA MOTSEI: “I’d like to give gifts over Christmas. It is however not part of my culture to give gifts over the period so I don’t think my family will exchange gifts.”NIKKI JOUBERT: “Yes I feel that gifts are just a way to make the day more exciting. We know that Christmas is not about gifts, but we grew up with this Christmas tradition where we buy gifts.”BRANDON JOHNSON: “We give gifts to those that need it most during the festive season when we are in the position to do so.”KEAGAN BOYS: “I love gift-giving with my loved ones over Christmas, as I grew up with this tradition. However, it’s become very commercialised and I don’t think it’s right to recklessly spend money on gifts unnecessarily.”MOTUSI KENKI: ”I’d like to buy my family a lot of groceries as a Christmas present. They do so much to support me and make me who I am.”VINCENT HART: “We give presents to family and also give something for charity over the holiday period. Our children have their birthdays in December so it’s quite an expensive time.”THORSTEN LÖFFLER: “Yes, I grew up with gift-giving over Christmas since both my parents are Christians. I love this tradition because, even though it doesn’t have to be a big gift, it makes people feel special.”
