You would think the only thing I had to be sad about was my Aunt dying. But my brain was too wild to leave it at that.
I made you a four minute video about impulse shopping and what to do in the moment.
Click here to watch.
I’m about half way through my holiday shopping.
I’ve made my list.
I’ve checked it multiple times.
Daily.
I’ve anguished over getting just the right thing.
Because in my mind a gift shows how much I love them.
That’s my painful thought.
“If I don’t get the right gift they won’t feel loved.”
When I drop that thought, the holidays become much more sweetly fun.
Instead I choose to think, “What would they like?”
It’s a subtle difference but oh so powerful.
What is your painful thought?
I don’t need a lot of stuff for Christmas. I feel much more abundant when I am not surrounded with clutter. So each year I send out a list of things you can give as gifts that are experiences to enjoy rather than things to shove in the back of the closet.
Drum roll please…
#1 – Kombucha Making Class
Any class is great. Especially something you can do with the person you are giving it to. My sister gave me a knife skills class a couple of years ago and it was a blast. One snowy night near Christmas, Gayle and I and a room full of other happy people with knives chopped and julienned a beautiful dinner.
We have a Kombucha Making Class in mind for the near future.
#2 – Mile High Swinging Bridge (Fun Facing a Fear)
(I am giving examples in my life, but extrapolate to your own hood.)
On top of Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains there is a scary, mile-high bridge that creeks and sways and terrifies even strong, badasss women like myself. A pass to go somewhere that simultaneously terrifies and offers personal growth is an incredibly bonding experience. Make sure the gift recipient wants that kind of growth.
#3 – The Grand Gesture
When I was in labor with my son (three days late) I heard a knock at the door. It was Merry Maids come to clean my house! Although the timing could have been slightly better, I’m still talking about it 20 years later.
#4 – An Unusual Mode of Transportation
Take them on an old fashioned train trip across country. Maybe a cross-state bike trip. Sunrise hot air balloon ride?This one’s pure fun.
#5 – No Coupons, please.
People don’t use coupons for backrubs. Just give them a backrub. Done. Or give them oil for a future backrub.