24 Dec Giving This Festive Season

The festive season has officially arrived. The trees are going up, decorations are a plenty, and the parties and get togethers are filling up the diaries. But another thing that tends to happen this time of year is a lot of gift giving. Presents are piling up under trees all around town. While this can be a beautiful way to show people how much you care and how well you know them, sometimes presents are just given because we think they should be given. And often it’s a lot of money being thrown around for things people don’t need. So perhaps this year we can consider giving a few different things, when gifts don’t feel right. How about…

Gifting your time

This time of year can be very busy. And people often feel overwhelmed. Instead of giving someone a present they don’t need, how about you give them some of your time. To help with cooking, to go for a walk with them, or to help them look after the kids for a few hours so they can get things done. The list is endless.

Gifting your energy

This one is especially important for the little ones in your life. Sometimes all kids want is for you to play with them. To run around the backyard, to read books, to build things, or to create things. And sometimes when you’re really busy, this can be challenging. But when you think about it – your time and energy is the best gift your kids can get. They will love it and you will too.

Gifting your presence and attention 

It’s easy to give a gift. It’s a lot harder to give someone your undivided attention and be truly present with them. But being truly present and with someone is one of the best things we can do. Whether we’re sitting over coffee or a walk or whatever it is, put your damn phone away. Listen to them, really listen, and not to think of a response, but to hear what they’re saying. Allow yourself to be completely with them in the moment. And we promise you’ll get just as much out of it.

Gifting of your love and support

Sometimes knowing someone is there for you is the greatest gift you can get. Knowing your friends are there and would drop everything to be by your side. In the good and the bad. Write someone a beautiful card and tell them how much you value them and how important they are to you. It’s incredible how often people don’t realise how much they mean to you, don’t leave them wondering.