Psychotherapist Natasha told Bored Panda that a surprise is something that we want or are happy to get. "We feel good because, for most of us, being surprised means someone has taken the time to think about you and, normally, the intention behind a surprise is to make others feel good. Another person has tried to do something positive for you to enjoy," she said.

However, it's not all candy canes and lollypops when it comes to surprises. Unexpected gifts can create negative feelings, too.

"On the flip side of this, a surprise could also make someone feel guilty, for example, if they haven't spent the same amount of money on a gift for the other person or if they view the surprise, gift, or gesture in a negative light," Natasha pointed out. She added that some people can see gifts as someone trying to show off their status or exert control over them, instead of viewing it as an act of kindness.

There are some people who are naturally more averse to surprises, whether they're good or bad. We wanted to learn more about this. Here's what psychotherapist Natasha told us: "Sometimes, people who may be struggling with low self-esteem or issues relating to things in their past (such as childhood abuse or trauma) may find accepting surprises or gifts overwhelming."

She said that some people can end up thinking that they don't deserve the surprise. "It could, for some people, even hold negative connotations such as receiving gifts from a past abuser." However, each case is unique and personal because of the subjective associations each person makes with getting gifts.

But what about when people are cynical to the point that nothing ever surprises them and they feel like life doesn't have much to offer anymore? Natasha suggests that people who feel like this might be struggling with depression, low mood, or may have lost their optimism because of the adversities they've had to face in life.

"Some clients I have worked with have had difficult life experiences that may impact how they view the world around them," she said. According to Natasha, some might think that having this sort of mindset is a negative thing. However, she suggests looking at things slightly differently.

"Don't try to do anything, let them hold their views, we're all individuals and we all go through our own unique journey in life. However, I think the year we have all had with Covid-19 has demonstrated that there are many things that may come and surprise us, whether in a positive or negative way."

(We know that it's been a tough year, dear Pandas. If you live in the UK and want to speak to a counselor about relationships and emotional and wellbeing issues during the holiday season, you can find a BACP therapist near you right here. Don't be shy—they're here to help.)

There are gifts that make you happy. And then there are those that make you extatic. For like a moment. Until you realize—this is going to be more trouble than it’s worth. That’s why you should always be very careful before gifting somebody a pet.

They might have sighed longingly about how much they want a pupperino or a pony. But let’s face facts: what are they going to do with those lovely animals if they’re living in a studio apartment with two other people, eating dehydrated noodles for dinner?

Now, this one might sound obvious, but obviously don’t regift something that you got and didn’t like. It’s a cop-out. It’s low. And it’ll get you on Santa’s ‘naughty’ list faster than you can say ‘Ho-ho-ho!’ Instead, if you really want to surprise your loved ones, go for something deeply personal. Putting your unique creative spin on even a cliched gift idea can result in something heartfelt and something that’s bragged about to every acquaintance ever. Don’t overthink it. Trust your heart.