When does a gift given
Become a gift received?
If a gift is not accepted
Is it a gift indeed?
If a gift is left unopened
Is the gifting actually achieved?

(Is a gift not a gift
If it is rejected?
Does it lose its giftedness
When refused or neglected?)

Does the gift itself retain
Some kinetic gifted energy?
Or does it need the active catalyst
Of reception to truly be
The gift that its giver intended it to be?

This Christmas be sure to accept
Your yuletide responsibility
To receive with a fully open heart
(as well as open hands)
This festive gift that I'm gifting this year to you from me.

(I've left the receipt in the bag.)