[HPforGrownups] Presents, money, and whether Harry is totally self-centered

[ruben at satec.es]

No: HPFGUIDX 36138

This is my first post here, hello everyone!

[snip]
> Each Christmas, we are told in detail what Harry receives. He has 
> received gifts from R&H, plus also Hagrid, Mrs (and we assume Mr.) 
> Weasley, and Sirius (although it was unknown in PoA).
> 
> But we never see what he gets for the others, or even if he has ever 
> done so!
[snip]
> Now perhaps this is due to the books being from Harry's perspective. 
> Perhaps what he got them was "off-camera" and not worth writing 
> about. 

Yes, I think that's the case. The following quote is from an AOL live chat
with JKR. It's about birthdays but I don't think it would be any different
for Christmas. Harry may be many things, but he's definitely not selfish.
The canon shows a lot of evidence for that. He's also sensitive enough
not to display his wealth too openly (helping the Weasleys, for example),
when he thinks they could be offended or feel bad about it. And yet he
tries to help them 'covertly', by giving the tournament prize to the twins.

[quote]
Q: Ron and Hermione give Harry gifts... does he ever give them birthday presents?
A: Yes, Harry does buy presents back! But I've never focused on their birthdays yet --there hasn't been room! 
[end quote]