The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: December seventh, with gifts for the Middle East.

Last time, we talked about giving gifts in the Far East. Gifts are also important in the Middle East, although the emphasis is different. If the ritual of the giving is the point in Japan, for Arabs the point is the gift itself. Magnanimous themselves, Arabs appreciate generous people, so their gift-giving is lavish or not at all. Presents are traditionally exchanged on the feast of the breaking of the fast, at the end of the 30 days of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.

Gifts are generally offered in public, and always with the right hand. Appropriate business presents include books or items used in the office. To make a good impression, avoid giving cheap items, especially those with company logos. American and German goods are considered to be of high quality. Liquor is, of course, taboo. Never give food items, which may offend your host's sense of hospitality. Also avoid artwork and other items depicting animals, many of which connote bad luck. Know that an overly generous item offered at a first business meeting may be considered a bribe. And never offer an unsolicited present to an Arab's wife.

In Israel, the big gift- giving occasion, even in business, is the holiday of Hanukkah, the eight day Festival of Lights, which begins this year on the evening of December twenty-first. Scotch, cognac and brandy are considered special. Avoid all non-kosher food or candy. When wrapping gifts, use the Israeli colors of blue and white.

And finally, this year all nations are praying for the gift of peace.

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