[Presents+Presence}
Unwrapping the Meaning Underlying these Holidays
Welcome to a special holiday edition of [L+R} homonym series, where we explore words that sound the same but have different meanings… And from there, find common ground. Today is about Presents and Presence.
It’s Christmas, and so naturally, we woke up in a fine mood.
After running to the tree to open presents, we remembered that we actually didn’t wrap any this year, as the family decided not to partake in the neo-pagan capitalist celebration of materialism the same as we used to.
So instead, we turned our attention to that civilizational prank that the English language played on us to make us lovers of physical stuff, and two words that sound the same but need some bridging.
Take a fat breath in and close your eyes, imagine a spectrum from left to right.
Left: The World of Presents
The tradition of gift-giving is as old as humanity itself, a thread woven through the fabric of our social and cultural history. Now? It’s the shallow love language.
The act of gifting someone a present is for many, the language of affection, gratitude, and connection. This tradition has undergone a metamorphosis across ages — from the simplicity of handcrafted tokens to today’s whirlwind of commercial extravagance. Americans are set to pass the $1 trillion mark on holiday spending in the next few years.
Historical narratives reveal the evolution of gift-giving practices. In ancient Rome, during Saturnalia, gifts were simple and often homemade, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Contrast this with today’s high-tech gadgets and luxury items that dominate holiday wish lists, mirroring our society’s technological advancements and changing values.
Yet, despite the changing nature of gifts, their essence remains constant: to convey emotions and strengthen bonds. A hand-knit scarf from a grandmother, a book from a friend echoing shared interests, or a child’s clumsy, heartfelt craft project — each present tells a story, symbolizing the thought and care infused by a giver, who, in many ways, becomes a receiver as well.
That’s a [L+R} for another day.
Rite: The Essence of Presence
Take the deepest breath you’ve taken all day.
Amid the shimmer of gifts and the melody of carols, the concept of ‘presence’ — being genuinely engaged with loved ones — brings a different warmth to the holiday hearth. This section of our exploration focuses on the emotional and spiritual connections that illuminate the holiday spirit.
The essence of presence is about mindfulness and emotional availability
It’s about listening intently to a family member’s story, sharing laughter over a meal, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence (it’s only awkward if you make it awkward). These moments, often overshadowed by the frenzy of festive preparations, are the threads that weave the fabric of lasting holiday memories.
Consider the tradition of gathering around a table for an annual holiday dinner. The food is amazing, but it’s the conversations, the shared jokes, and the collective experience of togetherness that linger in memory long after the plates are cleared.
In an era where technology tends to dominate attention spans if we aren’t careful, being truly present is starting to become its own kind of present.
Corpus of [Presents+Presence}
So how do they come together?
The Corpus is a bridge where the interplay of both gifts and human presence manifests in a harmonious blend, illustrating that while material gift-giving has its place, the intangible gift of being present is invaluable.
This fusion underscores that the true essence of the holiday season lies not just in what we give but also in how we give of ourselves.
The harmony of [Presents+Presence} is evident in the stories we share and take part in.
A child’s heartfelt gratitude and excitement in opening a long-desired toy (or just an an avocado! Learn to be okay with less) is matched by the elevated emotions of love and joy in a parent. A friend’s appreciation of a thoughtfully chosen book is deepened by the ensuing discussion that it sparks, bridging minds and hearts.
My mother always told me: “JESUS is the reason for the season.” And while in the past I would scoff at this, it is starting to make slow and sure sense that there is a tremendous power in being self-sufficient at cultivating elevated emotions, especially love towards others, with or without any material exchange.
It simply has to do with remembering the magnitude of the blessing of life. Of course, as it relates to time, the present moment is the ultimate gift.
In a world where loved ones don’t always make it to the gathering, or holidays don’t seem worth celebrating based on monstrosities occurring elsewhere in the world, we must remember how blessed we are here and now.
As we navigate yet another holiday season, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and cherish the joy of giving (a present) — through the profound beauty of being (present as) your best self.
You see, it’s these elements together that create the mosaic of our holiday experiences, each enriching the other, and reminding us that in the realm of [Presents+Presence}, we find the true spirit of the holidays in the simple stuff — celebrating love, connection, and shared humanity.
Happy Holidays, friends.
“Love the giver more than the gift.”
- Brigham Young
