Gifts

Over the years through Christmases and Birthdays I have been given gifts from various people.  Some are memorable, and some aren't.  I can name the presents I got for Christmas for a few years but I can't name them all.  As for my birthday I have never been big on the whole concept of them.  That may sound a little depressing to some people and I guess for you it might be depressing to think of, but for me it's just the way I always looked at them. 

There have been years I have not realised it was my birthday until it has passed, and others where I have not realised util someone give me a card or a present and I remember.  This has been disconcerting for some friends over the years, when I first get to know people and my birthday comes around they have been disappointed I didn't tell them in advance, a declaration as such.  Christmas has always been big for my family.  We exchange gifts more so at Christmas than we do any other time of the year.

The presents over the years that I have enjoyed the most and remember the most are the ones that give me experiences.  Games are a good example because you experience them as you play.  Trips to theme parks are another.  They leave you with something that lasts much longer than something disposable or consumable like alcohol, or sweets etc.

The presents that left the greatest impression on me were the ones that I wasn't expecting at all.  Things you mention in passing, only to find months later they remembered what you said.  That not only makes you feel happiness because they remembered but it makes you smile because it makes you realise they actually listen to you even when you have conversations that don't seem to have any real significance.

I realise that might make you question my expectations of others, that I wouldn't expect them to listen, and to be honest I sometimes don't.  I've been overlooked in many ways in life.  I'm not particularly loud, or expressive.  I'd describe myself as the quiet, shy type.  Although you should never confuse that with disinterest, just because someone doesn't say anything doesn't mean they aren't taking everything in.  That personality though tends to make you blend into the background and your ideas and your expressions tend to be dismissed or not heard at all by others. 

My question of the day is what was the best gift you ever received?