“ An alternative to a box- gift will be much appreciated .”

“A polite request : As far as possible, avoid box-gifts please .”

These two requests have been lifted from some recent wedding cards. At first sight, the idea might look a bit too bold and rude, isn’t it ? Respectful as the tone is, any person who is thoughtful and rooted in tradition will take the above for something unusual. Perhaps the following story can give us a wider perspective on the whole thing. Here it is:

In a conversation the other day, Harry revealed that one room in his house was full of gifts offered to his son for his wedding. What they were going to do with them all had become a real headache for the family. His small daughter’s study room had been temporarily turned into a store for the gifts. How Harry could clear the room for the girl to study well to take her exams soon and where to put or arrange them was something worrying for him

Some of the gifts , he added , could be useful for the new couple but most of them were of the same kind ; so they should continue to be kept inside until given back to others as gifts . Then, Harry came up with a brilliant suggestion : why not offer money for the value of the gift bought ? This could be better and wiser in many ways .

Yet some gifts offered to those who are close on the occasion of a wedding are treasured and have sentimental value. You can feel the presence of a friend, a relative or a dear one each time you use or look at the gift. It becomes something of lasting importance. This is because the person has been somebody special to you. Even though he/she may be no more, his/her memory lives on through the gift.

Kept in the kitchen, on the table or anywhere inside your home, the gift will have so many stories to tell about the person’s good actions, immense contributions towards your success and well-being in life. A gift then is priceless, “a joy forever”. After all, gifts have pride of place in the culture and tradition of some ancient civilizations. Even today gifts have their significance.

But times and conditions in general are fast changing. To attend a wedding without a gift luxuriously packed is considered shameful. To some people, the size of the box containing the gift reflects their status among the guests present. This may be simply a state of mind.

As the situation stands, instead of having a load of gifts stored in a room gathering dust, it is more convenient to make a present of some money. This may help settle part of debts or ease financial obligations after the wedding. With a portion of the money received, the newlyweds can buy essential things of their choice on their next outlay; they can also put it in their savings account .

While a wedding gift still has relevance in today’s society, some money enclosed in an envelope can be a better choice for the sake of convenience. It can be used for different purposes instead of having one item of several units lying in a room with no practical use. It all depends on circumstances and people.

By Kaviraj SOHUR</B>