Giving gifts to others and receiving gifts from others

When is the right time to open a gift, and what kind of "ritual" should I follow when doing so?

In China, it was once considered improper to open a gift in front of the guests. I remember as a child, whenever a gift arrived at our home, I was often scolded for trying to follow "foreign customs." Every time I tried to open the gift immediately, especially when my parents weren't paying attention to the guests, my mother would quickly stop me, saying that I was being impolite. She would even slap me, reminding me that you should never open a gift in front of the people who gave it. There's also a traditional saying that "the joy of the country is not shown too openly," as people fear that if they open the gift in front of others, their expressions might not be controlled properly, leading to embarrassment. Hence, it’s better to keep the gift unopened until later. In contrast, Westerners tend to open gifts in front of the giver, showing appreciation from the packaging all the way to the contents. They carefully unwrap the gift, express admiration, and even hug the giver if they are delighted. Sharing the joy of the gift is an important part of the ceremony. Afterward, many foreigners will re-wrap the gift as a sign of respect and thoughtfulness. Wedding etiquette varies greatly between cultures. In Western weddings, gifts presented by relatives and friends are often displayed as part of the wedding decor. Therefore, the presentation of the gift is just as important as the gift itself. The packaging should be attractive, with unique cards and your name written on them, so that guests can easily recognize and enjoy the gift. In modern Chinese weddings, cash has become a common form of gift, often given directly at the banquet. As a result, many venues have a gift collection desk where guests can leave their presents. It’s not customary to bring gifts directly to the bride and groom, as they are usually very busy and stressed on the day of the wedding. They may not have time to handle the gifts, and there's also a risk of losing them. Additionally, if the wedding is held in a church, gifts cannot be brought inside. Instead, they should be handed over to family members outside the church. For weddings held elsewhere, such as at a restaurant or home, gifts can be brought to the venue. However, large items like refrigerators, TVs, or air conditioners are usually delivered directly to the couple’s new home, not to the wedding location.