What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Many people will remember a special toy or gift they received as a child. But as an adult and as we age, our priorities change. The holiday season can be overwhelmingly focused on material gifts and all of the “stuff” can be overwhelming. Make this year different and think outside of the gifts to the kindness we can share and the memories we can make with others.
Here are some ways to make the holidays merrier and more meaningful.
Find a way to give back
There are many ways to give back during the holidays. Start with the many ways to donate to the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots during the holidays. Or try your employer programs, local community drives, or church.
Participate in a Food Drive
The holidays are a busy time for local food pantries. Reach out to yours and ask what items they need. Buy a little extra or double at the grocery store and drop off your items at your local food bank. Check out Feeding America to find out where you can participate locally. Helping others have a great and bountiful holiday is always a nice way to give back to other families.
Plan a special holiday excursion
Getting everyone together for special traditions can be difficult, but focus on doing something everyone will enjoy. This could also be a great gift idea too! Participate in a local 5k race, take a holiday express train ride, attend the Nutcracker or other holiday performances, or go to a sporting event. After all, making memories is what it’s all about!
Buy local
Business owners have gone through difficult times during the pandemic. It’s always great to enrich your local community by shopping locally for your gifts. You and your loved ones will love the unique finds. Pro tip: Start early and cross off items from your shopping to-do list in November.
Think experiences first
We all run out to shop and buy physical things, but this year think about an experience, a trip, or an activity someone might enjoy vs. an object. For families, a pass to a museum is a great gift. Planning a trip for the next year, and pre-purchasing a hotel stay or event can be a great gift for those who don’t need anything. Many places have gift cards (via email too) you can purchase so they can be used when it is convenient for the recipient.
Be grateful
We often get too busy and forget to be thankful for what we have in front of us. Before your meal, have everyone go around the table and say one thing they are thankful for this year and what they are looking forward to in 2023. The answers are precious and may just surprise you!
Make a donation
A great way to give back this holiday season or create a thoughtful gift for someone whose life has been touched by sickness or diesase is to make a donation in their honor. Pair it with a memory bracelet or framed photo and you are sure to not only give back but make sure they know how much you care about them.
Thoughtful gifts
For Grandma, try making a memory book or video from your family telling her how much you love her. Get Grandma on video too! These are precious memories you can re-live forever. For your spouse or partner, write a letter sharing your top memories from the year and what you are looking forward to next year. For your sister or brother, try a digital frame filled with old photos and new ones. For your kids, teaching them that the holiday is more than just about stuff, but how you can connect with others, is the best thing you can do. Involve them in the process and maybe they will change their mind about what they want this year too!
Reach out to others
Not everyone has a place or family to go to for the holidays. It can be an incredibly lonely time for many people, especially those who have recently lost someone. Reach out to friends, co-workers, and neighbors and offer to host them for the holidays. You could make a real difference in someone’s life just by being there for them.
Looking for more thoughtful ideas?
Check out our holiday guide and The L&D Collective this week for our favorite ideas, tips, and tricks to get you through the busy season.
