When Jefferson gave Adams a gift, Adams kept it. That’s what men did.
Let me tell you something about the founders gift giving philosophy: they didn’t have receipts. No return policies. No “store credit.” When a Founding Father gave a gift, that gift was final. The way the Constitution is final. The way a handshake was final.
Now I watch my family on Christmas morning asking “did this come with a receipt?” and I wonder what happened to us.
Founders Gift Giving Was A Commitment
Consider the original intent. Furthermore, when Benjamin Franklin gave someone a book—and Franklin gave many books, because he understood the value of knowledge—he didn’t include a slip of paper saying “exchange at any Philadelphia bookseller for equal value.”
No. The gift was the gift. As I’ve written before, the Founders understood that commitment means something. You accept what you receive. You appreciate the gesture. You don’t return it for something you wanted more.
The Receipt Is Unconstitutional
Now, I’m not saying gift receipts are literally unconstitutional. The Constitution doesn’t specifically address retail policy. But the principles are clear. The founders gift giving philosophy was based on honor, trust, and the understanding that when someone gives you something, you take it.
Additionally, consider what a gift receipt communicates: “I don’t trust my own judgment.” “I expect you might not like this.” “I’m already planning for failure.” Is that what we want to teach our children? Hedged bets and escape clauses?
A Challenge To Real Americans
Consequently, I’m issuing a challenge for next Christmas. No receipts. Give gifts with confidence, like Washington crossing the Delaware. Accept gifts with grace, like the Constitutional Convention accepting compromise.
If someone gives you a sweater that doesn’t fit, you make it fit. Or you hang it in your closet as a reminder that someone thought of you. That’s what the founders gift giving spirit would demand.
My wife bought me socks I already have. I’m keeping them. Both pairs. Because that’s what patriots do.
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