For Christmas, the commercial tradition commands to offer gifts. Fortunately, there is no obligation!

Adults and children have too many things. We become disillusioned and we do not appreciate any of it anymore.

But, if you still want to give, why not offer something to live and experiment rather than an object? How about offering your time?

I know it’s trendy to offer an experience rather than a thing. It is very “zero waste” and I appreciate that aspect but, what drives me more towards this type of gift is that it creates memories. It contributes to well being

Doing an activity with someone you love, creates unforgettable memories. When I live such a moment, I am growing as a person. Personal growth, gratitude and giving, all contributes to my health.

These memories are inked in us for ever, they become part of oneself.

On the contrary, things are just things. I can live or experience something special with it for a while. It can even be useful and help me do things and experiment in life, but I need at least one person to share it with, for it to become a memorable experience. Things and stuff, I have. At one point, it will create waste and I will forget about it. But, the time spent with that friend/brother/kid will last all my life.

I find it personally rewarding to offer an experience that I can live with someone. Of course, that same person can choose to do that activity with someone else.

It’s your choice to make when you offer it.

You can also choose to offer some of your time. This way, you can help that person in different ways. I think it’s a great thing to be able to spend time with people you love, it’s priceless.

Here are some ideas:

A written promise to babysit for your friend, your brother or your sister

Tickets or a gift certificate/voucher for a cultural activity (cinema, theater, opera, music concert)

Tickets or a gift certificate/voucher for a sports activity (match, ski day, skydiving, hebertism, climbing)

A subscription at a sports center, a health club

Whatever experience/activity you choose to offer, it can also be accompanied by a meal, a snack, a drink, a coffee, a tea in your company.

For example,

• This card is a voucher. It is exchangeable for 3 hour of babysitting the week night of your choice so you can enjoy these two movie tickets with the person of your choice. I will come to your house and babysit name.
• I offer you a night out. First, I invite you to this (name) fine dining restaurant followed by a comedy show. Ticket included!
• I offer you a special day including a lunch, a movie and a snack afterwards.

If you find it difficult to present such a gift, you can put the voucher in an original recycled box. In fact, you can be very original in your written presentation and in its packaging. You can make an Origami box, you can wrap your box with the furoshiki method using a scarf, fabric, a towel, an old world map and even old newspapers. You can even put it in a basket.

In short, be creative! Have fun, enjoy and be grateful!

In health,

Chantal