Make the holidays a gift

Are you ready?

Every year I’m surprised how December has become time of busy-ness for all of us. We’re shopping. We’re baking. We’re traveling. We’re going through the expected motions, building to a holiday celebration weighted with generations of traditions. It can be exhausting and disheartening at a time we crave connection.

Most of our year end traditions involve gift giving of some sort: Christmas, Channukah, Yule, Kwanza, New Year. And each year many of us dread it, whether it’s finding the right gift, dealing with expectations, or managing a tight budget.

Historically, right after Thanksgiving I’d start asking friends and colleagues the eternal question: What should I get my mother? Back in the day there was a Life cereal commercial where kids are tasked with trying it. “Give it to Mikey. He won’t eat it. He hates everything.” Except the cereal, as it turns out. My mother is Mikey, only she hates the cereal.

So from years of trial and error, here are some gift suggestions that are both cost effective and easy on your spirit, good for the senior or the child in your life.

Magazine subscriptions

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get something in the mail that isn’t a bill or junk? There are magazines for all audiences and all ages. There are magazines for seniors, for kids, for enthusiasts of all sorts. Archaeology. Astronomy. Romance novels. Woodworking. Knitting. You name it. If all else fails, opt for Smithsonian, which not only talks about America but also supports a museum. Tip: Seniors and kids love physical magazines.

Experiences

Let’s face it. We all have too much stuff. We don’t want perfumed soap or a pair of socks. Think in terms of doing things instead. Tickets to a movie or show. A class to learn something together, whether Adult Ed or the local community center. A road trip to the beach for the day. Tip: If money is tight, check out your local library. At mine I can reserve free admissions to the best museums and events in the state. All I have to do is get myself and my guest there. It’s a blast!

Memories

While your younger relatives may not want the entire contents of your house, they may want a few curated heirlooms. Pick something thoughtful. Then take the time to write down the history of it. If they understand why it matters to you, it becomes a meaningful, perhaps treasured, gift.

The true meaning of holidays is that we share joy and community. We’re allowed to give peace and ease to ourselves as well.

Now put any new insurance cards in your wallet and update your pharmacist in January.

Wishing you a joyful, low stress end of the year. With gratitude,

Lynn