5 Gifts That Don’t Come In A Box

Holiday Season is upon us guys!  And with it comes the unwanted side effects of stress, anxiety around money, irritable nature, and maybe some long lines too.  But, you have a choice to see past all those things. December brings a bit of hectic energy, there’s no way to deny that. It’s the culture we live in.  We can’t change what is the reality of what happens around us, but we can absolutely control how we respond to it.

All the stress around buying gifts and budgeting?  Totally unnecessary. I LOVE giving gifts for the pure connection it brings me to the ones I love. I get to find something meaningful that demonstrates my love for them. You can be a conscious consumer and give meaningful gifts without bringing more anxiety into your life.  Remember what this season is truly about. Plus, it’s the thought that counts and the love that goes into it! Focus your energy on all the love and joy buzzing around you!

There are a lot of amazing holiday gift guides out there, but I wanted to share something a little different with you.

Sometimes the best thing we can give doesn’t cost a thing…  

5 gifts to give this Christmas that don’t come wrapped with a bow:

Kindness

I truly believe that kindness makes the world go round, and there can never be too much of it. Kindness is treating others exactly how you would want to be treated.  It’s giving love and sharing your heart, even when you don’t exactly feel like it! Give kindness to your loved ones by cooking their favorite dinner for them one night. You could give kindness by going out of your way to run an errand for a friend that is having an off day. Kindness can be as simple as sending a heartfelt note or giving an authentic compliment that maybe you usually wouldn’t think to share!  It can also look like smiling at a stranger, or letting someone go in front of you in line at the store when they seem like they’re in a hurry.

Adventure

If you want to know the way to my heart (besides food), give me the gift of adventure!  We could all use a little more play and wild adventure in our lives. The best part about adventure?  It doesn’t have to be far or a big ordeal! You can explore just about anywhere. Go for a long walk in a new neighborhood with your loved ones.  Or plan a short day trip to a place nearby that you’ve never been to. Is there a “touristy” attraction near you that you’ve never experienced?  Adventure can be as simple as a picnic in the park. The most important part of adventure is that you practice being fully present…

Presence

With everything we think we need in life just a screen away, it’s so easy to spend an entire day not being fully present without even realizing it.  How often do you catch yourself scrolling through instagram or texting when your mom is trying to talk to you? This season, let’s practice being fully there when spending time with loved ones.  Put your phone down. If you’re at dinner, put your phone in your bag and on silent so you aren’t tempted to reach for it. Try to be very aware of how often you look at your screen when someone is trying to talk with you.  It might happen more than you think! Presence can also look like putting your to do list on hold to spend valuable time with someone for an hour or so. Or choosing to meet a friend for dinner instead of watching that netflix movie.  Authentic, fully present, connection is the very best thing you can give!

Patience

Ahh patience.  The virtue I didn’t exactly receive. Holiday season is a great time of year, but we all know that spending a lot of time with family members you love isn’t always rainbows and butterflies.  So, give the gift of patience. In every single family gathering you attend, be patient with the ones you love most. Accept them fully for who they are, and even ask yourself to list all the things that you love about them. Why are you grateful for this person?  A side effect of choosing gratitude tends to be having more patience for current situations. Having this mindset will greatly affect your energy and connection in a positive way.

Love

Giving love embodies all of the above.  Love can absolutely be shown through a meaningful physical gift.  But it can also be given by being extra kind to someone who could use a smile.  By having patience when it feels increasingly challenging. By going on adventures with loved ones and being so present that there is nothing to do but have real, human, connection.  Love is available to give and receive at anytime, you just have to be open to it! Never forget how powerful sharing your authentic heart can truly be.

Wishing you all the merriest of Holidays.  We have so much abundance and so much to celebrate!  Soak up every second of this magical season.

Xx

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