The Christmas craziness has begun. Thanksgiving is over, which means Holiday parties abound. It is time to decorate trees and houses, write and send Christmas cards, and shop for presents to put under the tree. All while balancing our everyday responsibilities. There’s no question it’s the most wonderful time of the year—but, it’s also a little chaotic.
That is why, over the years, we’ve found ways to trim down some of the craziness of the season, without losing any of its joy or meaning. For us, it has meant sending fewer cards, only decorating our tree (rather than the rest of our apartment), not filling our calendar leading up to Christmas—and (gasp), buying less Christmas gifts.
But, that last one isn’t as humbug as it sounds. For years, we found we struggled to get some of our loved ones gifts, because in many ways they had all they needed—and even wanted. There’s not much joy in spending all of December searching for the perfect gift, only to find they already have it or don’t feel they need it. This has led us to being a little bit more creative with our gift giving.
Today, I want to share some of those creative ideas, in hopes of sparing you some stress this Holiday season. Yes, if you have the perfect gift ideas for all of the people in your life, by all means shop till you drop. But, if you don’t, don’t spend your spare time this season scrolling through Amazon or making endless trips to the mall. Consider some of these fun ideas, and perhaps even find one or two that fits for some of the harder to buy people in your life.
Here are four gift ideas that don’t necessarily need wrapping:
Go out for a nice dinner.
As Tony and I live far away from all of our family, time with them is a gift in and of itself. That is why, a few years ago, with Tony’s brothers and our sisters-in-law we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner together when we’re in town, rather than worry about getting each other gifts. They find babysitters for our nieces and nephews, and for a few hours over good food, we get to catch up. Sometimes, the greatest gift is slowing life down, even if for only a few hours, to enjoy being together.
Plan a winter memory.
After Christmas, the winter can get so dreary. Why not plan something for you and your loved one to do together. Something both of you would enjoy, and that they would look forward to. Get tickets to a show, make plans to go skiing, or sign up for a cooking class. Then slip a note in their Christmas card telling them all about it.
Give something only you can give.
What are you particularly good at? Is it baking? Putting together movies, taking photo’s, etc.? What is something you could do that would brighten your loved one’s Christmas, or give them something to hold on to? Last year, just before Christmas, my Dad retired. Being far away, we couldn’t throw him a party. But, with technology we could let him know how much he is loved. I sent out emails to everyone in our family asking them to video a short message to my dad with their phone and then send it back to me. Then, we edited all the videos together and sent it to my dad. It meant the world to him.
Give with purpose.
Is there something your person loves? Or a cause that is near and dear to their heart? Give your loved one a gift that also gives to those that matter to them. Like delicious fair trade coffee that supports the growers and their families (I love this place), jewelry that employs women world wide, or soap that enables refugees to rebuild their lives.
What out of the box Christmas gifts have you done in the past?
Who are you having the hardest time shopping for this season?
Are you in the midst of making a hard decision? Contemplating a big life change? If so, you may be interested in my FREE Making Changes Checklist that I give to all my email friends. Want your free copy? subscribe here.
