December 2024 - A Time for Giving

Many people equate this holiday season with a time for giving, but the barrage of advertisements promoting the “perfect gifts for everyone on your list” can be overwhelming. Rather than letting the commercialism of the season get you down, remember that the best gifts come from the heart. Here’s a little inspiration.

• Offer to babysit (or pet sit) giving the recipient a few hours to themselves.
• Show support for their favorite charity or cause, letting them know you appreciate their passions.
• Plan a day, afternoon, or evening out and spend uninterrupted quality time together.
• Give an I.O.U. to wash their car, go grocery shopping, or wash dishes for a month – any chore on their list you know is their least favorite.

• Knit a scarf or crochet a blanket to keep them warm and cozy.
• Offer free lessons in a talent you have – playing an instrument, drawing, woodworking.
• Use your organizational skills to help them reign in their chaos.
• Cook a meal or bake a treat for someone who is sick, recuperating or overwhelmed.

• Give someone a sincere compliment and watch it lift their spirits. 
• Smile at a stranger. Yours may be the only friendly face they see that day.
• Manners matter. Little things like holding the door open or saying “hello” mean a lot.
• Pay it forward: let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line; pass on your unused coupons so someone else can benefit from the savings.

• Send a handwritten, heartfelt message; use the good stationery.
• Give an affirmation jar filled with motivational quotes or things you admire about them.
• Pass along a treasured item that they have admired.
• Listen without distraction or judgement. Sometimes we all just need to feel heard.

Gift-giving doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, the best gifts are those that are thoughtful, personal, and intentional.

Our warmest wishes for health and happiness through this holiday and beyond.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!