The holidays are a time where we should be prioritizing moments over material things. Unfortunately, that is not how our society works.
Ask yourself: Do the people in my life really need more things from me or would they prefer to have high-level quality time and deep emotional connection?
Choose Moments Over Material Things
It’s time to close your wallet and open your heart.
Share words of affirmation and kindness with all of the people in your life, and focus on the really important thing about holidays, which is time to spend with the ones we love.
Be judicious with your resources and don’t feel pressured by the economy and the need to give people things. Make a card. Sing a song. Whatever you’ve got to do to let them know that you love, care for, and value them.
That’s the most important thing.
Holiday Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank
Here are 11 ideas that you can gift to a loved one that cost nothing or very little:
- Spend quality time together.
- Teach them something new.
- Watch a movie.
- Play a game.
- Tell stories.
- Laugh.
- Volunteer for a cause they care about.
- Help them with a chore or big task they need to finish.
- Curate a playlist of songs meaningful to your relationship.
- Write a letter.
- Cook them a meal.
This holiday season, let’s focus on what truly matters—connection, not consumption. Instead of stressing over gifts, ask yourself: What do the people in my life really need? It’s probably more than just a new pair of shoes or the latest gadget. Redefine holiday giving: it’s not about presents—it’s about your presence.
Christopher Lee Maher is a former Navy SEAL who endured intense amounts of physical, mental, and emotional stress as a child and during and after his military career. He has taught himself how to free his energy, body, mind and emotions from pain by developing the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of being. Christopher studied Traditional Chinese Medical Practices at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and at Yo San University. He then continued his studies at The Universal Healing Tao System. Christopher is a student of Grand Master Mantak Chia at the Universal Tao Master School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He is currently pursuing his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine.