The Meaning and Sharing of Gifts

The Deeper Meaning of Gifts

How do you understand the idea of a "gift"? What gifts in your life have left the most lasting impression? When we receive gifts, they often bring warmth and joy, but a deeper question remains: do we pass on that feeling to others?

In both Eastern and Western cultures, there are interesting differences in attitudes towards receiving and sharing gifts. In the West, there’s often a focus on personalisation and the element of surprise. In the East, gifts tend to convey symbolic blessings and foster relationships. For example, in China, red envelopes aren’t just gifts—they symbolise good fortune. Meanwhile, in Western cultures, handmade gifts often reflect thoughtfulness. Despite these cultural contrasts, there’s a shared theme: gifts are emotional bridges between people.

Yet, gifts aren’t limited to physical things. Time, companionship, or even simply listening with care can be priceless gifts. Have you noticed these differences? Or perhaps you have a story to share? Often, it’s the meaning behind a gift that gives it true value.

From Receiving Gifts to Sharing Gifts

If you’ve read my earlier blog, Gifts and New Year Visions, you may remember the gifts that deeply moved me. Over the years, I’ve made an effort to share my own gifts with others.

For instance, during my work at a retirement village, I created personalised blessing cards for each resident and placed them in red envelopes that reflect Guangdong culture. These red envelopes symbolise good fortune and blessings, and they’re often kept in cars, homes, or wallets as lucky charms. To make the cards special, I added bilingual messages: “May peace and joy be with you always” and “May love and happiness fill your days.” Imagining their smiles as they opened the envelopes gave me a sense of connection—a gift of shared emotion.

In return, the residents gave me a very special gift: a large card filled with warm messages and signatures. The title read, “To Mei, from all of us with lots of love.” Each name was carefully written with blessing words, and some residents even added little hand-drawn hearts. I plan to take this card to Sri Lanka, frame it, and hang it in my seaside café, sharing it with visitors from around the world as a symbol of New Zealand’s love.

A Special Gift of Love

Recently, I received a beautiful and meaningful gift from my colleagues: a greenstone pendant in the shape of a heart. This stunning piece isn’t just an elegant design—it carries profound cultural significance in Māori tradition. The heart shape symbolises aroha (love), embodying compassion, kindness, and connection.

I was deeply touched by this gift, as it reflects the love and respect my colleagues have for me. It also strengthens the bond we share. Every time I wear it, I’ll be reminded of their aroha and the meaningful time we spent together. This gift will always hold a special place in my heart.

Farewells and Gratitude

Before I left the retirement village, the manager and leadership team organised a special farewell for me, gifting me a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers. At my final Happy Hour event, the manager shared heartfelt words of appreciation in front of the residents. I then delivered my farewell speech, reflecting on many cherished memories:

“I’ve always loved the company’s philosophy of treating residents as if they were your own parents, and that’s exactly how I’ve approached my work. I’ll never forget my first day at the activity centre, meeting residents like Miles, Mary, and Margo—all with names starting with M, just like mine. Margo is now in heaven, but I truly believe that kindred spirits always find each other and continue to bless us in their own ways. I love you all!”

After my speech, Hellen, a resident who has been living in the village for an incredible 25 years, stood up to give a farewell speech on behalf of the residents. It was Hellen who gave me the nickname “Magic Mei,” a name that had always warmed my heart. Her speech was full of gratitude and encouragement, and her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room.

By the time Hellen finished her speech, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. I was overwhelmed with emotion. This farewell was more than just a goodbye—it was a celebration of connection and love that will stay with me forever.

A few days before I left Christchurch, my colleagues from the activities team hosted a farewell dinner for me. Around the table, we shared countless memories, stories, and laughter that filled the room. I believe we’re more than just colleagues—we’re companions on life’s journey. I’ll miss them deeply and treasure this time for the rest of my life.

New Year Gatherings and Gifts

One of the things I look forward to most during the New Year is catching up with close friends over coffee. We usually pick a cosy café, order our favourite drinks, and chat about the highlights and challenges of the past year while sharing our hopes for the future. Each of us arrives with hearts full of love and gratitude, and we exchange kind words of encouragement that uplift and inspire.

We also exchange thoughtful little gifts, such as handcrafted mugs, bookmarks, elegant brooches, beautifully scented perfumes, or a box of carefully selected tea. Every gift reflects the giver’s thoughtfulness and their understanding of the recipient. Last year, a friend gave me a gorgeous perfume with a note that read, “May this scent make you feel confident and radiant every day.” I, in turn, gave her a book about life and travel in Italy. On the inside cover, I wrote, “I’ll be waiting for you in Bobbio, Northern Italy! Let Italy’s landscapes, culture, history, and art enrich your soul.”

These New Year gatherings and gift exchanges have become an essential part of our friendships and some of the most treasured moments in my life. To me, this is the true meaning of a gift—it’s not just about the item itself but the emotional connection it carries.

The Many Forms of Gifts

Everyone’s gifts take on unique forms and meanings. For example, the gift I gave my son was contributing towards his trip to New York and Toronto. I hope this journey helps him explore the world and gain invaluable experiences.

For my former colleagues, I chose handwritten cards, encouraging words, and small items that matched their personalities. One colleague, a plant enthusiast, received a vibrant succulent, while another, a book lover, was given an inspiring read.

The gift I gave my husband, however, is one I hold closest to my heart—leaving Christchurch to be by his side and grow old together. This gift may not come in a fancy package, but it carries my deepest love and commitment.

Future Sharing and Interaction

The most meaningful gifts are often those we’re willing to pass on. Just as the residents at the retirement village treasured my blessings, I’ll carry their love to Sri Lanka. In the future, I plan to share these stories with visitors at my café, allowing the meaning of these gifts to transcend cultures and time.

I will also share these stories with readers on my blog, creating a space where we can connect through shared experiences, memories, and reflections. Through this, I hope to inspire others to recognise the beauty in giving and receiving gifts, no matter how big or small.

What about you? What’s the most special gift you’ve ever received? How did it change your life? And if you were to give a gift now, what would it be? Perhaps your story could inspire someone else and become a gift in itself.

-To be continued, EP008-