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Capital Region BOCES
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that are unexpected, come from the heart and are homemade. This holiday season, instead of buying a gift from an overheated crowded store, consider these inexpensive, non-material gifts instead.
Time
Time is the one thing we all wish we could have more of. We are all busy, and life sometimes gets in the way. Instead of buying your loved ones a physical gift, carve out time to spend with them. Spend the weekend with your children watching movies, baking cookies or cooking a meal. Plan a date night with your spouse. Take the day and surprise your parents! Nothing beats being present and enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Making Memories
“The best gifts in the world are not in the material objects one can buy from the store, but in the memories, we make with the people we love.” – Amanda Boyarshinov.
My sister and mother started this tradition last year. We all chipped in and bought tickets to a Broadway show in New York City and went down for the day. I remember it being below zero outside and we froze waiting to go into the venue! We had so much fun and still find ourselves laughing at the memories we made that day. But you don’t have to buy Broadway tickets to make a great memory. You can plan a fun picnic at the park or have a fun movie night in your living room! Recall fun memories with your loved ones and go out and create more memories! Life shouldn’t be counted in years, but in those great moments you make with those you love.
One-on-One Outings:
I am a middle child, sandwiched between an older sister and a younger brother. I always cherished the one-on-one time I spent with my parents. Plan a special outing with your children. If you have more than one child, plan what day and what activity you’d like to do with them. You can even leave the decision-making up to your child and let them plan the day. It’s a great way to help teach them planning and time management skills.
Happy Holidays!
Sara Wheeler is a Public Information Specialist for Capital Region BOCES. She lives in Albany, NY with her husband & two dogs. She spends her time watching YouTube videos, getting fashion advice from her five-year-old niece, and is almost ready to write that book she keeps putting off.