I debated writing this one – as I’m usually not a sappy person. But, thinking back, how many “gifts” do you remember during the holidays? Sure, there’s probably a few, but we really remember are the memories – AKA – the good stuff.
Sometimes, what we all really want, like deep-in-the-depths-of-our-souls want, aren’t always material things. As humans, we naturally seek love, connection, compassion & understanding. Connections are the most beautiful, non-tangible things we have, really.
So, after you’re done blowing a ton of money, obsessing over material gifts and have everyone crossed off of your list, consider giving some of these things, the good stuff, and not just on Christmas, but all next year 🙂
Well Wishes to an Old Friend
We grow apart. It happens. We move away. Our paths are all different. Some people, we leave behind and then life gets in the way and it’s been two years! Two freaking years, that seemed to just be as quick (and perhaps as annoying) as Barry Allen, (THE FLASH, for you who don’t know that guy).
Send a text, an email or OMG even a letter to an old friend. Let someone you don’t get to see often that you’re thinking of them 🙂
Encouragement
Sometimes, we crave encouragement, even if we don’t admit it. Why not encourage someone to do something they’re hesitant about, (given that it’s legal and not harmful, of course).
Give someone that boost! Encouragement truly means a lot, especially coming from certain people. Who knows? YOU could be that person to someone and not even realize it.
Compliments
Who doesn’t like a genuine compliment? It feels good to be nice sometimes, guys.
Forgiveness
Yeah, yeah, I know. This sounds so freaking cliche but holding a grudge only hurts YOU anyhow.
Even if you don’t “forgive” the person to their face, (it’s true that some people just aren’t worth your time), forgive them for yourself. Release any anger you haven’t resolved.
Forgive yourself. Forgiveness, man…it’s powerful.
Helpful Advice
You know that advice that always comes into your mind when you have an issue? Pass it along. Or, better yet, through your own life experiences, give advice to someone in the same boat.
Recommendations
Let someone know about something you LOVE! Found a product that really does what it claims! Tell people! Heard a good song? Send that shit to your friends! Watch a good series – tell people! Read a book with a plot line that is pure gold? Let the people know.
Recommend something you love to others you know who love it too. I’ve found some of the best books I’ve read this way.
Time, our most valuable possession
Spend time with people. Time is literally the most valuable thing any of us own. Not to be a cheesy sh*t, but time runs out eventually, for all of us. Giving someone your time is the best gift you can give to those who are important to you.
Plan an outing! Make time for the people you care about, even when it may not be very convenient. Just do it.
Annnnd, I’m out of cheese for the night. Just be nice to people! Kindness doesn’t cost a damn thing! I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season 🙂
My son has a birthday around Christmas and I was just wondering the same thing, if i can give him memories instead of materials. Ive asked friends and family to give him experiences like taking him to see a fire engine or even sing him a song/ play an instrument and send him the video. Im not sure itll actually work though. We may wish it, but others don’t feel like turning up to a kid’s birthday without a big fat gift. 🙁
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