There are many ways to make Christmas merry and memorable! Unfortunately, sometimes it’s difficult nowadays to actually FEEL the joy through the cluttered maze that has become of Christmas. Through the years, Christmas has strayed far from its original purpose and become a highly commercialized event.
When it comes to the holiday season, more people are concerned with buying the “perfect” gift for others and anticipating what they will receive, rather than focusing on the true spirit of the holiday.
If you feel like it’s time for you and your family to get back to the basics when it comes to the season of gift giving, love, sharing, and caring – you’re not alone. According to a study by SunTrust, almost 7 out of 10 people are in favor of skipping the gifts if their friends and family agree to it. Instead most people surveyed say they would rather give and receive the gift of time. In other words, gatherings and parties over presents.
Looking for some easy ways to get this new tradition going and give free gifts this Christmas?
Let’s start with these three easy tips for a joyous and stress-free holiday.
1. Give of Yourself
If money is tight this Christmas season, or if you simply just don’t agree with the commercialization of it then you may want to consider giving the gift of yourself this Christmas. Giving the gift of yourself is the ultimate free gift. It’s appreciated by everyone, doesn’t cost a thing, and brings you closer to the person you’re spending your time with – how wonderful.
Although it costs nothing, your time is the most precious gift of all.
There are many ways that you can give of yourself to others this holiday season:
- Be a friend who listens
- Spend time with a loved one
- Help someone with their household chores
- Babysit for a mother or father who really needs a break
- Let others know that you are available anytime they may need your help
- Teach a new topic like cooking or playing an instrument. This is an especially good way to spend time with a child.
You can even create fun little tags, gift certificates or vouchers to go along with your gift of time. Even if you don’t think you’re an artist – a handwritten note on really nice cardstock or inside a nice card goes a long way. You can add a homemade Christmas gift tag by using this template, for an extra personal touch!
2. Use Your Talents
No matter how nice that watch appears to look in the jewelry case, the homemade pen holder or the homemade blanket that you create for your friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member will be much more appreciated than anything you can buy in a store.
Ultimately, handmade gifts are priceless, whereas the store bought gift will lose value over time.
Sure, store bought gifts are nice, but people will value your handmade gifts more due to one reason: you put your time, efforts, and love into creating those gifts. When the receiver thinks about your hard work and dedication in creating the gift, it will become more and more cherished.
Here are some ideas of homemade gifts you can make:
- Fresh-baked cookies, pies or jams
- Hand sewn quilts or crocheted scarves
- Framed photo collage
- Personalized scrapbooks
- Custom made jewelry
3. Pass On Family Heirlooms & Memories
Christmas is a great time to consider passing on those treasured family heirlooms. Have you been holding on to your mother’s locket? Maybe now is the time to pass it down to your daughter.
Do you have special photos of family and friends? Consider making a photo bulletin board for your child’s room. Or make a scrapbook for a family member.
Consider making a CD of memorable family Christmas songs, or every day songs. Songs that are family favorites and mean something to those you love and yourself. Or create a fun compilation of family videos.
In other words, if you don’t want it to be about store bought gifts then don’t let it be. Use the ideas in this post to create the Christmas you want to have for you and your family.
- Why fight the crowds on Black Friday when you could be enjoying your kids’ day off from school together? Wouldn’t you rather create some warm, happy memories?
- If you and your spouse don’t enjoy spending your day standing in long lines at crowded stores, then change it!
- Spending the night baking alone when your elderly mother is in town is such a waste. Plan your baking so you can enjoy each other’s company while things are in the oven.
Cherish Your Time Together
In the end, we can’t take back time. Our time is lost in so many ways on a daily basis – especially around the holidays.
If you want to make your holiday truly merry, remember to spend the time that you have with your loved ones enjoying each other. Make joyous memories instead of a frenzy of worrying, shopping, cooking, buying gifts and over-stressing.
If you follow the steps listed here, you’re sure to have a merry, memorable Christmas this year and every year!
