“He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. Maybe Christmas, he thought…doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps…means a little bit more!”
– The Grinch in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I’m going to say something shocking, and perhaps controversial – the holidays don’t have to be about presents! You don’t have to spend loads of money, and go deep into debt just to give your kids, and your boss, and your spouse, and everyone else a present. Here’s how you can make the holidays special without focusing on gifts:
Give the gift of time.
Spend time with friends and loved ones. This is what the magic of the holidays is really all about. Play board games, watch movies on Netflix, make crafts together, and just enjoy each other’s company. Besides, the holidays is that rare time of year you actually have time to give to each other. So give it freely.
As a side note – while spending this time together, turn off your electronic gadgets. Make this quality time about the people you are with. Be completely present, and focus on each other.
Share an amazing meal together.
Bonus points if you all cook together. Get creative in the kitchen, and whip up a marvelous feast that will have you drooling through New Years. Make a party out of it too. Invite everyone to create their best dish to go along side the perfect entree. You could even make several entrees. It is a feast after all!
Write handwritten letters to send in the mail.
Isn’t it funny how these days we get so excited when a real letter comes in the post? We’re so bombarded with emails that a handwritten note feels so much more thoughtful. A simple gesture like this can fill a person’s heart with an exuberant amount of joy.
Make gratitude jars.
On pieces of paper, write out the things you are grateful for. Then, read them out loud to each other. Or, if reading them out loud isn’t possible, write out a list of things you appreciate about your loved ones and mail them a copy.
Serve food at a shelter or kitchen. Or give your gently used toys, books, clothes, etc… to a shelter or home.
Get the entire family involved. Serving the community during the holidays is a great way to gain additional appreciation for the things you have already.