The Best Gift Of All
Time is money, as Benjamin Franklin once said. He wasn’t wrong and perhaps in the modern world’s way of perceiving currency, he’s even more correct today.
Take the average of 2,080 hours worked in a year in the US, versus the 264 hours of vacation time. Furthermore, consider that the average entrepreneur works considerably more - 63% longer than a regular worker, in fact.
I know you may be thinking - “Why yes! Of course those are the ratios. How else would I pay for my Netflix subscription?”
However, you can start to see the picture that these statistics begin to paint. You clearly see where our priorities are, and if they go unchecked (so guilty of this myself) we might never take the time for some of the more important aspects of life.
Sure, we need money to live, and buy the objects and experiences we want - but have our priorities shifted too far from center? How much happiness does money actually buy?
Science has shown that the bar of happiness doesn’t rise significantly after one establishes enough income to where they don’t need to worry about their basic human needs.
So where am I going with all of this? You, the rational reader would ask.
Great question. After all, I’m a product seller, and this is the time of year that I should be shamelessly promoting my work.
I want to “press pause” on the usual, seasonal, self promotion for a moment. In an effort to remind both you and myself, that while fancy packages under the tree are fun to open, perhaps the most valuable gift we can give is our time.
Time to :
• Show gratitude
• Support your friends and family
• Be more loving
• Give more hugs
• Go on a walk and enjoy nature
To name a few….
To illustrate this a little further, I’ve created a spinoff from a traditional gift guide. My guide is meant to offer suggestions of ways to give this holiday season that costs nothing, nada, zip - except - you guessed it, time.
Gift with Intention
Here are “12 Days of Christmas”, signified by 12 gift vouchers containing suggestions of their use, that are all downloadable for your gift giving this holiday season. Enjoy!
Music
Remember making playlists on tape? Maybe it was intended to swoon your latest love interest (think Say Anything with John Cusack) or an upcoming road trip. Regardless, music appeals to just about everyone.
Make a playlist on Spotify, Soundcloud or whatever your preferred medium is, to share with a special recipient - or with a group of friends.
Foregiveness
Who loved the Seinfeld episode of ‘Festivus’? Where you can “air your grievances” as part of the celebration. While this may seem like an easy and humorous concept to embrace, it won’t move our relationships forward.
What better time of the year than during the holidays to let go of past grudges or indiscretions that you have endured throughout the year
Inspiration
Have you ever uttered the words : “I have too much inspiration in my life! If only I had less, then I could really be productive.” You haven’t. Which brings me to the next gift voucher.
Fill a jar with strips of paper containing motivational quotes and thoughts. A gift that keeps on giving beyond the holiday season.
Nature
Ok, while this one seems like it’s a no brainer - especially if you live in a scenic place like Colorado - to really take this one in, it’s time to get off the couch.
Going for a hike is one way to appreciate the great outdoors, but you can also “decompress” by taking a long walk with your dog.
Culture
I think that we can all agree that culture is like the “diary” of humankind. It’s essential to our humanity. It inspires new ideas, reinforces our social values and gives us knowledge to build upon.
Visit a museum on a free day. Most city’s cultural establishments have discounted or free days for visitors on certain days of the month. You can check these listings if you’re local to Denver.
Hugs
The benefits of hugs are not only proven, but essential to our wellbeing. Hugs can -
Hugs may protect you against illness
Hugs may boost your heart health
Hugs can make you happier
Hugs help reduce your fears.
Hugs help you communicate with others.
Gratitude
Gratitude is a daily practice that we should all try to implement into our mindset. We focus all too much on the negative and sometimes forget the good.
Write a monthly thank you letter to someone deserving in your life. It could be your morning barista who always has your order waiting for you, write one and drop into the tip jar.
Knowledge
Socrates once said that there is “only one good: knowledge”. While I believe that there are more forms of goodness in the world, this one has truth written all over it.
Share some of your expertise with someone who could really benefit from it. Show your mom how to use Instagram or help a friend with their website.
Support
So, all of your friends invite you to attend their DJ gigs, art openings, and fashion shows in addition to all of the Facebook events that show up in your feed. But, you’re busy - or you need a night to do exactly nothing. I get it. But what if you did the unexpected and showed up?
Maybe pay attention to the ones your close friends are hosting and represent.
Memories
You had a life event that happened. The problem is that everyone who attended, doesn’t have a way to remember because all those photographic memories are scattered.
Take the time to finally compile all those images from your wedding, family reunion or whatever the event - and make a digital album and don’t forget to share the link!
Time
What kind of time commitment could you sacrifice for one day and instead show up in the biggest way possible for those you love?
Spread the love even further to strangers. There are plenty of options for volunteering during the holidays. Whether it’s a local soup kitchen to feed the homeless or helping your church manage the extra attendees for Holiday services and more.
Love
All you need is love! Thank goodness for the Beatles who gave us this simple guideline to live by. If you do nothing this holiday season except show those around you love, you are winning.
There are an abundance of ways to express this in meaningful ways. It could be as simple as sending a text everyday for a week to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
Pro tip - Download these gift vouchers and give them this holiday season in abundance. Watch how you can make a better today and tomorrow for those who you love. After all that is what the holiday season is all about.