The holidays have arrived, and we have already passed Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It's the giving and receiving season. Gifts are great. They are a testament to to how well the giver knows the receiver (or not). But for me, I would take quality time over quality gifts. Truth be told, I don't need more stuff.
After all, as Coco Chanel expressed, "the best things in life are free or very, very expensive."
I have received gifts where I have thought, "wow! so cool!" Like the time my friend got me a five pound Hershey Bar for Valentine's Day or the purple pajamas my dad got my Build-a-Bear after I broke my leg. Those gifts stand out in my mind. The chocolate because it was massive and I am a chocolate lover, and the purple pajamas because it was a gift after I made it up two steps with a broken leg.
As thoughtful as gifts can be and as much as I appreciate them (and enjoy writing the "thank you" notes afterward), nothing compares to time spent well spent. Time put into making long-lasting memories with friends and family is not the easy way of getting out of paying for holiday gifts, but rather, the most fun and unique way.
Here's 6 ways you can do just that:
1. Go through each other's closets and swap or make a donation pile.
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Want to reinvigorate your closet or get rid of things you don't need anymore? Get together with a friend or two and get to cleaning! Who knows what hidden treasure or embarrassing memory you might find? Instead of sending clothes to the trash, you can send them home with a friend or anywhere you see fit. Someone somewhere gets something that is new for them while you can feel good about taking part in the giving season. You get more space. You and your friend unearth the gems and rocks of the past while making more memories. It's a win-win-win-win for everyone.
2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen and feed others
The kitchen is where I found I would have the best conversation and the hardest laughs with family and in college, with friends. Sharing food is a great way to connect with others. While you're dreaming of that delicious ham you eat every Christmas or the Chinese food you order in, others might be dreaming of any warm dish, and you can be the one to give it to them! In general, volunteering and working together are powerful ways to engage with others (check out that smile on Obama's face!) If you want to find other ways of volunteering, this site is the place to look!
3. Write gratitude letters
Since third grade, I have been pen pals with my teacher. E-mail and text messaging do not compare to letter-writing and snail mail. Letters take patience, creativity, and consideration, but as corny as it may sound, putting a letter in the mail and opening a letter at the end of a long day are two of my favorite small moments. I love picking out a card or making my own, choosing a colorful pen to use to write my note, addressing the envelope, and finally, sending it off only to receive a letter in return a few weeks later.
I always open a card before I open the gift because the purpose of a gift is to make another feel appreciated, but I find the power of words to be met with more warmth and joy. Sit down and think about what makes close friends and family special to you then put pen to paper and express it. It may be difficult to come up with and articulate, but certainly a worthy challenge.
4. Bake
Children know to leave a plate of cookies out for Santa, but how about leaving some sweet treats for anyone you care about? The process of and effort in making food is special. So whether you are baking with friends or baking for friends, you're bound to experience delicious benefits. Decorate your cookie Christmas tree or dessert dreidel. If you're feeling competitive, go for a friendly reenactment of the "The Great British Bake Off." For inspiration, I suggest these recipes or salivate just looking at the pictures!
5. Get creative and crafty
In the fall, I did a pottery making class with a friend and found it to be therapeutic and pleasant. There were other pairs of friends in the class, and we all laughed about how great or how terrible our pieces came out.
In line with baking and letter-writing, there are many ways to make and create with and for friends. Paint with friends. Draw with friends. Collage with friends. Write with friends. View art together whether that's at the movies or at a museum. Come up with something you have wanted to do and do it together. You will surely have something to talk about after you paint your first Mona Lisa or see a Christmas classic.
6. Or get sporty
Maybe you're not interested in arts and crafts. I know sometimes I do not have the patience to have a seat and perfect a piece of art, and I would rather be moving. Instead, I like to opt for playing soccer, dancing, going to yoga, or taking an exercise class. Does your gym offer a holiday discount for friends and family? See if you can take a friend and boost your endorphins together. Or maybe you'd rather have a dance party listening to holiday tunes in your bedroom. Either way, you can't go wrong when you get active.
Although these suggestions may seem like they can be done at any time of year and they can, this is the time of year that we like to show and tell people how much we care. Making or doing something allows you a chance to not only be around those you love, but also to catch up and chat. What would the holidays be without gathering together, being loud and merry, and strengthening our relationships?
Better yet, what would our lives be without the people who add meaning and beautiful memories to our lives?
