6月16日话题：在你的文化里，有什么样的送礼物的风俗？

以美国的文化，送礼物不仅是一个风俗，而且有的时候也是一个义务。人们最喜爱送礼物时是过生日和圣诞节的时间，尤其是十二月份（甚至十一月份开始）。由于许多人都在匆匆忙忙地买礼物，这时期被称为“送礼季”。因此，在美国，圣诞节已经变成了一个比较物欲的节日。除此之外，有的时候特别值得庆祝的场合，包括婚礼，婴儿庆贺会，周年纪念和乔迁聚会，也会使人送礼。

我个人不讲究礼物，何况特别讨厌关于礼物的风俗和义务。如果能衷心找到一个好的礼物，有的时候确实很动人。但是，难道需要某些节日的理由去送礼物以及表示感情吗？我千叮咛，万嘱咐，叫我家人和朋友不要特地给我送随便的礼物。首先，我不重视物质，再说我需要的东西现在都可以自己买得起。而且，一般的礼物对我来说都没有用的。（小点心或者礼品卡我还能接受。）最珍贵的就是能和喜欢的人在一起，好好地享受和庆幸而已！

What customs does your culture have for gift giving? // In American culture, giving gifts is not only a tradition, but sometimes also an obligation. The time people like to give gifts the most is on birthdays and Christmas, especially around December (or even starting from November). During this time many people are rushing around to buy gifts, so this season is known as the "gift-giving season". As a result, in the US, Christmas has become a relatively materialistic holiday. Apart from this, during some special occasions, including weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, and housewarming parties, people also like to give gifts.

Personally, I'm not particular about gifts, and I especially dislike the customs and obligations surrounding gifts. If one can think of a good, heartfelt gift, sometimes it can be really touching and appreciated. But does one need a holiday to give a gift and express true feelings? I repeatedly urged my family and friends not to go out of their way to give me casual gifts. First of all, material goods are not important to me, and I can afford to buy all the things I truly need. In addition to that, ordinary gifts are usually of not much use to me. (Well, I can still accept and enjoy small snacks or gift cards.) Being able to enjoy time with the people you like - shouldn't that be the most cherished?