This is a new one for me; I'm at a loss.
There isn't really an objection to the people or presents involved; just something about how opening presents in front of the giver sets things up so it's not about true giving, etc; there's an expectation of a happy reaction, etc, which diminishes, and...
Do you dislike communal family present-openings? Pray explain if so.
If you think opening presents is best as a group activity, see if you can offer something to help explain why it's good...?
(thanks!)
2006-12-02 11:29:59 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
no i never heard of it or seen it.
2006-12-02 11:31:20 · answer #1 · answered by Thebronx 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I've heard of someone complaining. It was my cousin, and she's really shy, and because at my house, we all watch each person open their own present and wait for their reaction, she's really shy so she doesn't like everyone staring at her. I agree, opening presents by yourself is kind of redundant. I mean, the point of a present is to give and the other person to recieve. Shouldn't this be done properly, like, together maybe? I know a lot of people get really nervous about getting the right gift for a person so the person recieving might sense the anxiety and hope to spare the person the forced "thanks" or the awkward "wow, it's... different from what I'm used to". Some people have no gift recieving manners. They just take a look at the present and if it isn't to their liking they move on. But, I think that if you have a polite exchange that part of the fun of giving a gift is seeing the person's reaction, and even if it isn't what they wanted, it's the thought that counts... right?
2006-12-02 19:44:23 · answer #2 · answered by serena b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My friend likes opening presents REALLY leisurely. She's the type to NOT rip the stupid freaking wrapping paper, so she takes forever. That's why she doesn't open in front of others. I myself don't really care if I open up presents in front of people or not. I do prefer to open them alone, though, because I don't care for the whole happy tradition BS with a great big tree and a cozy warm fireplace and sh*t like that. But free stuff? HELL YEAH! It's just that I feel as if I'm OBLIGATED to give a happy reaction even if the present isn't all that great. That's why if I'm alone, I can make any type of face I want and not have anyone to disappoint or piss off.
2006-12-02 19:34:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
why do i get the strange feeling you're writing a paper for school about the true meaning of xmas, or gift-giving? heh.
that said, i can understand why some people find it hard to open gifts in front of others. sometimes you're unhappy w/ a gift b/c it may be inappropriate or it's something totally cheap or thoughtless, and opening it in front of everyone can make you feel embarrassed, for yourself and for the giver. opening a gift in front of the giver is much the same. again, the receiver may feel embarrassed that the gift wasn't in his taste, or inappropriate or cheap and thoughtless. you don't want to hurt the gift givers feelings, and it's sometimes hard to hide/mask your own feelings of disappointment. at least if you open it in private you don't have to put on a brave, surprised look and thank the giver on the spot.
personally, i see no problem opening presents in front of friends and family, as they do at baby showers and birthday parties and christmas. in a way, it can bring people together, especially for the holidays. on the other hand, it can seem rather materialistic, as baby showers and birthday parties. it's almost as if you're saying the gifts are the most important part, and by opening everyone's gift up in front of the entire room, you're in essence exposing the gift giver, and making him vulnerable. not everyone is rich; some people shop for gifts at the 99 cent store, b/c they have so many people to shop for and so little money to spend.
anyhow, that's my opinion. hope it helps.
2006-12-02 19:43:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope! I love opening presents in front of people, and I like to see people open presents. Talking, together, as a family. It's the best part of Christmas. Seeing everybody so happy!!!
Especially the kids!!!
2006-12-02 19:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, I understand why someone wouldnt want to open presents in a group setting because if they go around the room and open one person at a time it can be a little embarrasing for shy people. That would be the only reason I would think they wouldnt want to. I love watching people open the presents I give them because it makes me feel good to see there faces. It isnt about receiving its about giving to me.
2006-12-02 19:38:06 · answer #6 · answered by kra_z_fly_chic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - some people get embarassed if they cannot find a comfortable or appropriate emotion when opening gifts.
2006-12-02 19:32:30 · answer #7 · answered by §†reet R¥dA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes...
But do it anyways, it f*kcing Christmas...
People should lighten up.
2006-12-02 19:32:50 · answer #8 · answered by Kalsin C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no but people can be rude at christmas
2006-12-02 19:38:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get your mind on somethin' else
2006-12-02 19:50:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋