As a kid I always looked forward to getting lots of presents at Christmas time, but over the years my Christmas list has shrunk a lot. The older I get, the less I want material things. Instead, I want non-material things. Here's a list of 5 non-material things that I and many others would like to give and receive this holiday season.

1. A Homemade Meal

After living at college for over two years I've had my fair share of cafeteria meals, which means when I come home for the holidays I love filling up on home cooked meals. They not only taste delicious, but they also make me feel so loved because I know whoever made the food put a lot of love and effort into it.

2. A Listening Ear

In today's busy world we often forget that other people may have bigger problems than our own. We live in a society where we talk an awful lot about ourselves. The holidays can be a stressful time for some people, which is why it's the perfect time to offer a friend a listening ear. They may not even need it, but it's always nice to know there's someone to talk to when everything seems like a little too much.

3. A Helping Hand

With the holidays being so busy if you have some time to spare help a friend or neighbor. It may be as simple as holding the door for someone, or it might be something a little more, like picking up some groceries for a friend. Whatever you do, I'm positive your help will be deeply appreciated.

4. Experiences

There's nothing I love more than doing something out of the ordinary with my friends and family. At Christmas this may be walking through the Christmas lights at the garden, taking a trip to downtown Chicago, or making cookies with the ones I love. These special experiences will become memories for years to come!

5. Memories

Some memories are made during extravagant adventures, but I have countless memories that were made right at home on my living room couch. I have memories of staying up late having sleepovers with my friends. And making cookies at my aunt's house. I have memories of going sledding with my cousin using her ATV. Or the time we jumped on the gas tank at her house pretending it was a horse. All of those moments meant nothing at the time, but over the years they've become great memories. Some of the best memories happen in the most normal of days.