I don’t need a lot of stuff for Christmas. I feel much more abundant when I am not surrounded with clutter. So each year I send out a list of things you can give as gifts that are experiences to enjoy rather than things to shove in the back of the closet.
Drum roll please…
#1 – Kombucha Making Class
Any class is great. Especially something you can do with the person you are giving it to. My sister gave me a knife skills class a couple of years ago and it was a blast. One snowy night near Christmas, Gayle and I and a room full of other happy people with knives chopped and julienned a beautiful dinner.
We have a Kombucha Making Class in mind for the near future.
#2 – Mile High Swinging Bridge (Fun Facing a Fear)
(I am giving examples in my life, but extrapolate to your own hood.)
On top of Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains there is a scary, mile-high bridge that creeks and sways and terrifies even strong, badasss women like myself. A pass to go somewhere that simultaneously terrifies and offers personal growth is an incredibly bonding experience. Make sure the gift recipient wants that kind of growth.
#3 – The Grand Gesture
When I was in labor with my son (three days late) I heard a knock at the door. It was Merry Maids come to clean my house! Although the timing could have been slightly better, I’m still talking about it 20 years later.
#4 – An Unusual Mode of Transportation
Take them on an old fashioned train trip across country. Maybe a cross-state bike trip. Sunrise hot air balloon ride?This one’s pure fun.
#5 – No Coupons, please.
People don’t use coupons for backrubs. Just give them a backrub. Done. Or give them oil for a future backrub.
Why are you buying Christmas gifts?
No, really.
Why?
Is it because someone asked you to?
Are you doing it because you think someone will like you more if you buy them a nice gift?
Are you spending a big chunk of change because it’s just the way it’s always been?
I LOVE to buy people gifts.
But last year I had a conversation with my niece and nephew and we decided to stop exchanging Christmas gifts. We can still buy gifts for each other spontaneously, whenever we want, but Christmas gifts were becoming more of a “should” than an expression of love.
Going into the conversation felt a little awkward, but we ended up feeling more connected than ever. (And a bit relieved.)
There are a lot of reasons why to buy gifts for people… big gifts or small.
Just be sure you like your reason.
To get what you want it’s important to feel that feeling… the thankful feeling you will have once you receive it… BEFORE you get it.
You attract the feelings you generate.
You know…like when someone gives you the come hither look you get all “come hithery”.
Or when someone comes home all doom and gloom, it brings down the mood in the room.
You can attract what you want just by pausing and feeling gratitude.
How easy is that?!?
And we have a whole holiday just for that purpose.
Win-win.
I am thankful for elastic.
And fresh, clean air.
And my sweet husband and children.
I am thankful for all of you who take the time to read my posts.
And modern medicine.
And refrigeration.
And my new comfy sneakers.
What are you thankful for?