Dear Reader,

I have been thinking about the concept of gift-giving lately. And, while there is plenty of anthropological drivers for receiving/giving a gift within the anthropocene, see The Gift by Marcel Mauss, there are also many reasons to have a strong reason for materialism, and not simply purchase something for the sake of it, or because we see it on a list, or read it in a catalogue and are told we should like it.

I will often make the argument for experiences over materials. Back before the #COVID times, I would advocate to travel places, thereby creating memories that would essentially last longer than any material possession. How are these experiences created during these #unprecedented_times ?

Memory.

Purchase memory.

Recently, I purchased a fragrance for myself. It’s called By the Fireplace. The scent is supposed to evoke the memory of sitting by the fireplace. Honestly, I just liked the smell. BUT, do you know what does transport me back in time?

Allspice Dram brings me to Winter in New York City in 2017.

Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tarts bring me to my elementary childhood in Los Angeles, and also, weirdly enough, Portland, Maine.

Crushed dried mint brings me back to my second home. Not a very good time overall, but a real one that grounds me.

POINT IS: Perhaps you can think of a time when things weren’t like this. Or think of a time when you really had some fun with someone, made an experience with them in the past. if you’re seeking a gift for someone this year, perhaps try to give a material gift and recall an amazing memory?

— J.R.

related reading: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/