The holiday season is closing in. It’s a time of singing catchy carols, cold weather, spending time with family, decorating houses with festive ornaments, big feasts and a time for gifts.

“Receiving a gift is usually awkward because you have to react to it in a certain way,” junior Logan Grooms said. “Giving gifts, though, is fun because it makes people happy.”

The preference of receiving gifts is avoided or hesitant because it may come out to sound selfish but on the other hand, the preference of giving gifts may sound forced and not genuine. However, there are many logical reasons as to which is better, easier or more rewarding.

“I prefer giving because if you receive something, you’ll feel obliged to give them a gift in return anyways,” sophomore Max Scheffer said. “Plus, if you give someone a gift, you’ll receive something in the long run.”

Despite its benefits, there’s still one dilemma and hardship of gift-giving: picking out and shopping for the gift. There’s an abundance of tips, alternatives and no-nos when it comes to gift-shopping. Grooms adamantly supports online shopping because at stores “it’s crazy.”

“Go shopping early or else you’re going to get trapped in the stores,” senior Mercedes Leichman said.

The tips are endless and people chimed in based on their own positive and negative experiences.

“Don’t get them clothes because no one ends up liking them,” sophomore Minha Ghani said. “Gift cards are nice but not personal enough. Oh, and always get a gift receipt.”

Choosing the right gift takes time, thought and could be stressful but it is rewarding in the end. Plus, giving is what the holiday season is all about.

“Gift-giving is better,” Leichman said. “I’d rather others to be happy than myself because I just like seeing other people happy.”