I am so excited about the holidays I can hardly contain myself! When I see the city workers in the cherry pickers, stringing up the Christmas lights, I get absolutely giddy! Decorating, singing carols, getting together with friends and family, and even picking out gifts for loved ones… I love it all!
This year, I had a revelation about the type of gifts I purchase. It all started Christmas 2019 when we gave one of our daughters tickets to a concert for her favorite musician. Initially, it felt a little lackluster to wrap up a piece of paper I printed off my computer, but the excitement she felt when she opened the tickets was priceless. She was over the moon!
Unfortunately, the concert originally scheduled for the summer of 2020 was postponed, but she was willing to wait however long it took. We were finally able to go in October of this year and it was well worth the wait! I had no idea that a printed piece of paper would end up being one of her most memorable, and definitely one of her favorite, gifts ever. That was a light bulb moment for me.
Experiences really are the gift that keeps on giving. It does not have to be concert tickets. Things like holiday event tickets, summer camp, sports training, or after school activities like dance, art, or martial arts classes are all great gift ideas. If you want the recipient to open more than the gift certificate, wrap the certificate up with a leotard, baseball, or whatever appropriate accessory might go along with the theme. Your loved one will have memories to last for years to come!
Janeen Lewis, author of Keep it Light: 10 Ways to Simplify the Season, agrees with experiences being a great “go-to” gift for the holidays. I highly recommend checking out her article for other tips too. One of her suggestions incudes farming out some of your chores (including cooking!)
If you are looking for ways to not only simplify your holidays, but also save money. Holiday Savvy: Survive the Season with Your Finances Intact, by Kimberly Blaker, shares how to save money on babysitting, cooking and more. Yes, please!
Of course, no December issue would be complete without our annual Holiday Happenings Guide. Here you will find loads of fun events to celebrate the holiday season all month long, from Santa sightings to New Year’s Eve celebrations!
Whether you are out shopping ‘til you drop or just taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas, please do remember those in need who may be struggling financially or emotionally. Make it a family priority to give back this holiday season. It doesn’t matter if you have a million dollars to give or just a smile, you never know how a simple act of kindness may turn someone’s day around.
May God bless you and your family with an abundance of peace, love and joy this season.
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Gulf area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
