Every year Christmas finds us bewildered, wondering what to give to that certain someone, and puzzled by the vast array of choices. Often we are unsure of the appropriateness of our selection right up to the moment of presentation. We quiver while the package is being opened, or until we hear that happy exclamation: “Oh, it’s just what I wanted!”
Ralph Waldo Emerson recognized such perplexities and, in 1856, wrote a brief essay titled “Gifts” on the theme. It is a straightforward statement of the problem of choice and its reading should be a requirement of all Christmas shoppers.
Emerson begins his essay by classifying various types of gifts. We might illustrate the classification by a staircase symbol. At the first level, the plane at which we admit that we just do not know what to give, Emerson lists flowers and fruit—“flowers because they are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.… Fruits … because they are the flower of commodities.” Proof of the former is evident to any husband: his wife is far more delighted by a cluster of carnations than by a new dusting mop, no matter how little or great may be the respective utilitarian value of each. And of the tangible objects or commodities, the decorative basket of highly-polished fruit remains an attractive gift as evidenced by the popularity of this choice among modern business people.
On the first step above flowers and fruit Emerson places the gift of necessity and states that “one is glad when an imperative leaves him no option.” To illustrate his point he draws the picture of a man in need of shoes. Shall we offer him a paintbox? The obvious answer to his purposely ludicrous suggestion is a negative one and reminds us of Christ’s query: “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?” (Matt. 7:9, 10).
The level above the fulfillment of a man’s need is the gift which one associates with the recipient. Here the giver must recognize the hobby, the interest, or the avocation of the one to whom he gives. To the musician he gives a biography of an outstanding composer or performer; upon the connoisseur of fine art he may bestow a token that suits the whim of the collector. Such a presentation assures the receiver that personal consideration has been granted him by the donor.
The highest point in Emerson’s scale of gifts is that which is associated with the giver as a piece of his own craftsmanship or creativity. Emerson states, “The only gift is a portion of thyself. Thou must bleed for me.” He shows the poet bringing his poem; the shepherd, his sheep; the farmer, and painter bringing their goods. These are the worthy gifts, representative to the recipient of the nature of the giver. Emerson decries the purchasing of baubles and trinkets from the mass producer and calls it “a cold, lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy me something which does not represent your life and talent but a goldsmith’s.”
Of the receiver of gifts Emerson has much to say. He warns the idealistic giver that “the hand that feeds us is in some danger of being bitten.” His point appears to be directed mostly toward the relationship between the patronizing benefactor and his unfortunate subject. The fact is true that often men would rather starve than sacrifice their independence by eating from the hand of an unworthy giver.
Emerson next considers the beneficiary of a wealthy, lavish giver. His characteristic predilection for the broad generalization accuses “all beneficiaries” because they “hate all Timons.” His reference, of course, is to Shakespeare’s overly-generous hero in the play Timon of Athens. The reason for his accusation is not the obvious one, namely, the inability of the less-affluent receiver to match the cost or size of that which he has been given. Rather, Emerson looks with a cynical eye at the supposedly greedy receiver whose jaundiced view of life causes him to evaluate the gift he has received only in comparison with the greater wealth that remains in the possession of his particular Timon.
Emerson’s concluding paragraphs are his peroration, given in theological fashion in keeping with his training and experience. His analysis of the problem that confronts the giver and receiver is that “there is no commensurability between a man and any gift.” Therefore our affection for those we love can never be judged by the pricetag on our gift to them, or by the scope of their gift to us. To attempt such an evaluation is to cheapen the relationship we cherish because “no services are of any value, but only likeness.” If then we are to show our appreciation for what we have obtained from others, we can only repay in kind.
Emerson’s point is underscored in our minds when we remember the significance of the event commemorated at the Christmas season. If we are to acknowledge God’s gift to mankind, his Son Jesus Christ, we may only do so by the complete consecration of our lives to Him.
“What shall I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb,
If I were a wise man, I would do my part—
What shall I give Him? I’ll give my heart.”
Carol in Minor Key
Come ring a round of Merry Mount
And sing for new-born joy;
Wave rainbow banners, faded thin,
Above an infant boy
While angels rant a rondelay—
A rabble, bathrobe choir
With pipe and horn
Proclaiming morn
While stars still snap with fire.
Dance floodlite in a space-born host
With sequined copper haloes,
And pantomime in startled rags
Newly informed hoboes.
Come one and all in day-glo red
To hover by a candle glow
And squint as flights
Of star-shaped lights
Reflect our shallow echo.
Give all your gifts in pseudonym
St. Nick will love the credit;
Those who receive forget the source
Or often will regret it.
Oh “christmas” gold, My Sin, and clove
Are neat to offer others,
And rocket toys
For peaceful boys
And CARE for all our “brothers.”
Today we cannot chant of lambs,
Wool would scratch our memory;
We dare not offer thanks for life,
It also knows our enemy.
Dance while the grace of God is on
In proud and pious dress
Lest others see,
Reality
Denies what we profess.
CHARLES WAUGAMAN
Samuel M. Shoemaker is the author of a number of popular books and the gifted Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh. He is known for his effective leadership of laymen and his deeply spiritual approach to all vital issues.
