Twelve Free Gifts to Give this Christmas

There are at least 12 gifts that are cheaper than material gifts yet will mean so much more. Gifts that warm the heart and brighten the spirit around the holidays and bring wonderful memories to mind throughout the year. Not sure what to give this year? Maybe give one of the ideas below.

The gift of LISTENING – spend time with someone who lives alone or someone who needs a listening ear. Really listen without trying to solve problems or share your story, too. Listen with your full awareness, no interrupting, no daydreaming, no checking your phone, and no formulating your responses.  Just listen with your ears and your heart.

The gift of NOTE – Write a note of love and gratitude. It can be a few simple words written on a sticky-note or a long heartfelt letter. Put it somewhere for your loved one to find when they are alone.

The gift of AFFECTION – offer hugs, kisses, and gentle touches as you show the love you hold inside for people in your life. Too many people we come in contact with on a daily basis go without physical touch. Studies show the benefits of hugging and touch can lead to a healthier, happier, longer life.

The gift of CHEERFUL ATTITUDE – Try to be cheerful around those you love and those you come in contact with this holiday season. Show cheerfulness even when bombarded with holiday stress. Be kind to the telemarketer, restaurant server, cashier, and even the delivery guy who runs over your grass.  

The gift of LAUGHTER – What can you do to make someone laugh? A true belly laugh. My sweet mother-in-law June was known for cutting cute cartoons from the newspaper and mailing them to family members. Share a meme. Laugh when they tell a corny joke or a pun.  Laugh when you see the antics of children.  Giggle. Juckle. Grin. Smile.

The gift of TIME – Even though you may feel like you don’t have enough time to accomplish all you need to do give someone else your time either before or after the holidays. Show them you care by giving them your time even if you are crazy busy. One of my fondest memories is volunteering to wrap my mother-in-law’s gifts so she could get them in the mail. She relaxed and played with her baby granddaughter while I wrapped. All three of us benefited with time doing something we truly enjoyed.  

The gift of INVITATION – The holidays are jam-packed with myriad activities. We often try to figure out how to squeeze in a visit to a relative or member of our congregation. Why not invite them to join you for one of your activities? It might be as simple as dinner on Sunday, a ride to look at Christmas lights, or enjoying an evening at your home.  You could also include them in your traditions such as decorating cookies, going to a nativity festival, or watching a holiday movie.  

The gift of COMPLIMENT – Many feel overlooked or forgotten during the holidays but a heartfelt compliment can go a long way in touching a heart. A big smile along with a simple “you look pretty and festive tonight” or “that was a delicious meal” will brighten someone’s day.  

The gift of FAVOR – It’s a busy time and we all seem to have our must-do lists.  Do someone a favor and take a few minutes to help with a chore. Offer to help take down their decorations after the holidays, organize a guest room, take someone young or old holiday shopping. Do something they may not be able to do for themselves.  

The gift of FORGIVENESS – We all have people who have wronged us. Forgive them this Christmas and move on. Maybe you don’t have to express this forgiveness to them, but just forgive them in your heart and mind. This may be the best gift to yourself because a burden will be lifted off your shoulders.

The gift of TRADITION – Adults and children alike love traditions. Bring music into your home. Bring out old, broken ornaments and mend them. Share stories of Christmases past and the people who made them special. Watch family movies. Christmas Traditions that Bring Us Closer to Jesus

The gift of PRAYER – Pray for people on your Christmas list and let them know you are praying for them.