The holidays bring a lot of joy. And a lot of stress.
“What should I get for (a list of people who you care about)? How do I know what they want? Should I ask them?”
Instead of getting these people material things, try this: Give them your attention. What does that mean? It depends on the individual.
- It could be as simple as taking someone to coffee and talking with them.
- Maybe you have a person in your life who likes to take walks. There is a place that they have talked about wanting to go. Take them there.
- Perhaps you have a child who is getting closer and closer to graduating from high school and is dealing with being an adolescent. Take a trip with them somewhere that your child has mentioned in the past.
- Your significant other and you have been very busy. Get a hotel room and a reservation at a restaurant. It could just be an overnight trip. Don’t tell them where you are going.
Much of what I am suggesting does not involve spending a lot of money. It does involve giving people your attention, though.
Yes, work is keeping you busy. There are a lot of demands on your time. Just the thought of doing what I’m suggesting makes you feel stressed, right?
Life happens. Something postponed is likely not going to occur. How to prevent that?
Make a list of those who mean something to you. For each person, pick an activity—an experience—that they would like. Write a card for each of those folks with the activity described on it. Then give them your presents. They will be happy to get them. After all, your presence is the best present you can give somebody.