Gift giving is a weird phenomena. Generally, people only give gifts when they know the act will be reciprocated, and then they try to figure out about how much the other person is spending so they can match it. No one really benefits much from it, except from retailers. People just exchange things of equal value, without even knowing if the other party will like the gift.

I tried to simplify the process. My friend asked me what I wanted, I told him "I dunno," I asked him the same question, he responded likewise. I suggested that I give him fifty bucks, then he give me fifty bucks; he pointed out that neither one of us would really benefit much from that deal.

An almost-final thought: Gift certificates. What the heck? Why not just cash? Then you can spend it anywhere. (I admit it, I’m guilty. I like receiving and giving gift certificates, although I still don’t quite understand the concept. My ambivalence pisses me off.)

The final thought: Last minute shoppers. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have to be working all day at KMart on Christmas Eve Day. "What? Christmas is tomorrow??" Who is buying presents at KMart at 8 p.m. on December 24th? Come on, people.

The post-final thought: It's nice having friends to buy gifts for. ^_^ The old adage is true.

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