Most people get gift-giving wrong because we overestimate the moment and underestimate the after. We mispredict what will matter, assume spending more helps, and confuse surprise with feeling understood. Even experiences only land when they remove friction rather than create another plan. In practice, people usually tell us what they need—when they mention what they miss, what they’re exhausted by, or what they keep postponing. The most meaningful gifts aren’t impressive or performative; they’re accurate. They reduce burden, fit real life, and signal genuine attention. That’s why gift anxiety is so common—and why it doesn’t have to be. #optimism #giftgiving #holiday #holidayspirit