Christmas gifting: Is it about presents or presence?

Loading player...
Every December, the same question pops up: What’s the real meaning of gifting? Is it about piling up shiny boxes under the tree, or is it about giving experiences and memories that last a lifetime? Some say material gifts are overrated; they clutter our homes and drain our wallets. Others argue that nothing beats the joy of unwrapping a surprise and holding something tangible.
We've noticed that there’s a growing trend of gifting experiences: a spa day, a concert ticket or even a family getaway. These gifts create stories, not just stuff.

Here’s the twist: Does the pressure to buy expensive gifts take away from the spirit of Christmas? Should we be focusing on quality time instead of price tags? Or is gifting still the ultimate way to show love and appreciation?

Here's what you had to say.
9 Dec 2025 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Do big bonuses drive performance or reward failure?

J Sbu unpacked Eskom handing out R5.4 billion in bonuses, around R128,000 per employee, after recording its first profit in years, while electricity bills keep rising. J Sbu debated whether big bonuses actually drive performance or whether they've simply become an expensive expectation and you weighed in. Missed it? Listen…
5 May 9 min

Hantavirus: What is it and why is it so important?

We keep hearing about this Hantavirus, and now it has hit a lot closer to home. The Department of Health has confirmed a case right here in South Africa, after a critically ill British passenger was airlifted off a cruise ship and taken to a private hospital in Sandton. The…
5 May 7 min

All the love. None of the spark: A confession to remember

Every Thursday, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. Today, Stacey received a confession from Mark, who said: "My partner is amazing, supportive, loyal, good to my family… but I’m not attracted to them anymore…
30 Apr 7 min