During a television interview on the Gift Giving practices of Godparents (“Ninong” and “Ninang”) during Christmas Day. We tackled so many concerns but what tickled my fancy was when the interviewer asked me: “Should Godparents give their Godchildren E-GUINALDO (electronic Aguinaldo) because of the Pandemic Situation? And should it be in cash or gift (delivered through a courier)?

Well, before I answer this gift giving quandary, let me first stress that neither face-to-face nor electronic gift giving (neither cash nor gift) should be the primary reason why a godchild seeks his or her godparents on Christmas Day. In the modern baptism of an infant or child the godparent or godparents make a profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises.

The principal responsibility therefore of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his words and actions. When it concerns a child, he must be ready to accept the responsibility of being a part of the godchild’s life for the remaining of his/her life.

A godparent must have his eyes fixed on the Lord, believing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 14:6). Not only must he believe it, he must be prepared to share his belief with his godchild. Within reason, a godparent must be available to his godchild on a continuous basis. He must have a special interest in the spiritual growth of the child. When called upon to profess the Catholic faith on behalf of the infant, the godparent must believe in what he is professing.

Asking therefore a godparent’s spiritual blessing and guidance on Christmas Day must be the primary intent of a godchild’s when seeking out his or her godparents (even electronically or online as well). The Gift Item and/or the Money are thus only an additional endowment given by godparents to show their appreciation for such a visit, and to give their godchildren that extra smile on their faces.

That being said let me now go back to the original question raised in this article. Should we give our Aguinaldo to our godchildren electronically and should it be cash or gift? Well, our current situation really does require precaution most especially when our children have not been fully immunized against COVID-19, so electronic gift giving is really the best option. But should we really send cash or give a couriered gift?

Giving CASH is the most convenient “present” we can give. It frees us from the burden of thinking what best fits the godchild we intend to give a gift to, and with all the Christmas rush (and traffic woes) we are likewise spared from all the hassle of finding that right and appropriate gift we know our godchild would like and come to appreciate. So, when we give cash as a gift, we rationalize such gift-giving process by saying that the child or their parents (our “Kumpare” or “Kumare”) can simply use the money to buy the items they would truly need or use.

Though, it can be argued that giving cash only teaches “materialism” to a child, who in an early age can still not appreciate the value of money … and that in some cases only ends up in the wallets of their parents. Godparents can give money and use this as a “teachable moment” where they can impart the value of savings, and the virtue of a need versus a want.

On the other hand, a conscientiously selected gift item bears with it an element of sacrifice which gives additional meaning to the gift. Consider this: “One Christmas morning, one of the natives brought the missionary a seashell of lustrous beauty. When asked where he had discovered such an extraordinary shell, the native said that he walked many miles to a certain bay. ‘Thank you!’ exclaimed the missionary with gratitude, ‘It was wonderful of you to travel so far to get this lovely gift for me.’ His eyes brightening, the native answered, ‘Long Walk part of the gift!’” (Gerald Horton Bath)

Moreover, as we give time, energy, thought and love in selecting that gift item for each of our loved ones, we reveal our personality and our generosity as a human being. Buying and giving a gift item is an opportunity to show who we really are. In fact, part of who we are is likewise contained in each and every gift we give. Thus, in gift giving … the giver becomes more important than the gift itself.

Finally, the better people know each other, in terms of values, personality, humor and hopes, the more special and subtle they can be in choosing the perfect gift. A perfect gift is the one the recipient really wants, enjoys and appreciates, and possibly would not buy for him or herself. In short, ideal gifts are those that are still treasured after many years. The perfect gift is wanted, needed, deserved and appreciated. It has to be very thoughtfully and carefully chosen.

So, is there a clear choice? The answer is NONE. The best interest of the receiver must dictate the kind of gift we are to give … be it a gift item or money. Always bear in mind that, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving” (Mother Teresa). In the end, the amount thoughtfulness and love that we factor-in in choosing either Face-to-Face or Electronically / GIFT or CASH would reveal the true value of the gift we are to give.

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For any personal comments or suggestions, you may call or text at 09174805585 or email me at [email protected].