Christmas is no doubt my favorite holiday. I love the way the Christmas season looks, feels and smells, and I especially love spending time with my family and friends. Christmas can get stressful sometimes when it comes to finding the perfect gift to give to the person you love, and becomes even more stressful when you realize you're a broke college student and can't afford elaborate gifts for everyone.
If you can't afford to surprise all your favorite people with material gifts, don't even stress. The most important gifts you can give aren't always things you can wrap, but they're sure to make someone's day. Here's eight non-materialistic gifts you should be giving this holiday season.
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Your time
Giving your time can be a difficult thing to spread evenly between everyone in your circle, but it's definitely the most important gift. Spending quality time with your friends and family will grow your relationship and will mean so much more than a material gift.
A good laugh
Laughter is the best medicine and can turn your whole day around.
Honesty
Obviously this is a gift you should be giving year-round, but even more so during the holiday season which can be a time of new beginnings.
A handwritten letter
This is especially important if you may be spending the holidays apart from your significant other. Handwritten letters are so traditional and heartfelt and make people feel warm and fuzzy.
Long, warm hugs
People won't always remember what you've said to them, but they will remember how you made them feel. If you're a hugger you're probably already dishing out the longest, warmest hugs. But if you're like me and you're not into even the quickest hug, suck it up this season and give out the biggest bear hugs you have. Most people enjoy hugs and desperately need the physical embrace to feel the love.
A helping hand
The holiday season is a season of giving, and the easiest way you can give back is to lend a helping hand to strangers and friends alike. One of my favorite ways to give a helping hand is to pay it forward at a drive-thru. Other ways you could help out is offering to do chores for an older neighbor, cleaning around your parents' house, or giving a compliment to a stranger.
Unconditional friendship
If you want great friends you have to first be a great friend, and great friends can be few and far between. Open up to creating deeper, loyal relationships and you'll be amazed at how much closer you feel to your circle of friends, and you'll no doubt attract new ones into your life as well.
A home cooked meal
You know what they say, the best way into someone's heart is through their stomach! Try a new recipe for your special someone or invite your friends over for a potluck Friendsmas.
These are just a few of the non-tangible gifts you can give your favorite people this season! What gifts will you be giving?
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