Graduation parties are laced with humor and heightened emotions but, they also reek with intrigue and are easily some of the most presumptuous events. Isn’t it odd, how graduation speeches are sage and every speaker invokes practical wisdom from their successful lives? One would think that it’s a meeting of monks. Some cry, while most relatives, in a very assuming way offer unsolicited advice on the next steps to take after a degree.  My two sisters completed their degrees this year. As their siblings, we planned a party to celebrate this milestone. But as it is, I was genuinely challenged. My brain was stretched to its creative limits, as I struggled to figure out what gifts to get my sisters.

‘What should I get Jacinta and Melanie for their graduation?’ I asked my brother. ‘Just ask them what they want?’ He responded with a smirk on his face. Such time saving, pragmatic and helpful advice!  I still had some relative objectivity to look beyond my brother’s rational advice. Most people prefer receiving gifts as surprises instead of full-blown disclosures on their preferences. Where was the excitement in that?

On my most recent graduation, I was excited, but mother’s enthusiasm exceeded mine, by miles. As I prepared for my graduation, my parent insisted on buying me a suit, which I still have. It was a nice suit – even fitting enough to conceal my small bulging belly. Even though, my mother was unable to make it to the United Kingdom, I still felt the joy when I wore the suit she bought. To date, I wear the suit on special occasions. That’s how endearing the gifts we receive on graduation grow to be become a part of us.

I’ve always loved receiving gifts, everyone does. Afterall, gifts are free. The only challenge gifts present is the social pressure they create- the need to reciprocate the same affection to whoever has given you a gift.  Despite growing up in a humble home – our family, was vainly materialistic at certain times of the year. Important celebrations were always marked with new clothes and shiny shoes. On Christmas and Easter, our delight wasn’t focused on Jesus’ birth or resurrection (however revolutionary these events might have been or are). Our main concern was which first-hand clothes we would get from the shops. My understanding of the importance of gifts on special occasions was rooted in this contradictory experience.