The holidays are here, and with them comes a whirlwind of twinkling lights, festive music, and yes… gift-giving mania. But why does the simple act of picking out a present feel like a test of our very value? Suddenly, the price tag on a sweater or the creativity of a handmade card feels like a personal report card.
The truth is, for many of us, our self-worth sneaks into the wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows. It’s thrilling, exhausting, and a little bit magical—but it’s also worth unpacking why we sometimes measure ourselves in gifts instead of hugs, time, or attention.
