But with Chinese New Year brings the onslaught of gifts. Within China (and actually within many Asian countries) gift giving is an important ritual. Certain holidays require specific gifts. Gifts are also given to win business and make sure the relationship continues or as they say in China, "to keep the relationship warm". Today, I was surprised by a knock on our door. There was a driver that had previously worked at the company but had left to start his own business. He was here to deliver new year gifts. This is the part where it became awkward for me. First of all, I don't really understand why if he is trying to win business from Andy's company why he would be delivering gifts to our house. Secondly, one of the gifts (that I opened after he left) was just too extravagant and therefore needs to be returned. This is not the first time that these two awkward things have simultaneously occurred. Over Christmas, one of the company's current drivers arrived (at our house) with gifts. Yet again, one of them was extravagant. Thankfully, Andy (or someone else from the company) will return the gift in a manner that does not offend. Small gifts are acceptable. For example one of the drivers gave us a box of fresh strawberries (totally acceptable). But all this leaves me in a quandry. . . what do I do (other than just smile, make small talk and say "thank you")? And why do they keep bringing the gifts to me?
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