Gifting Experiences, Not Materials
When I think of the word “holiday”, I am immediately transported back to my childhood. The exhilaration I felt speeding down a snowy hill as fast as I could with my trusty GT racer (there is nothing more wonderful than beating your older brother in a sleigh race). The joy of sneaking around the house with my little sister trying to eat as many Christmas goodies as we could before our parents caught us. The vibrating excitement as the last minute of school ticked and holiday break began. These are the core memories that I have brought into my adulthood.
Our senses play a key role in the creation of long-term memories that stand the test of time. We remember the heat from the fire as we warm up after a day playing in the snow. We can taste the smell of a freshly made cup of cocoa. We use our senses to remember core memories, and in turn elevate our mood.
When we focus on family time instead of gifts, we decrease some of the stress that has been created around the holiday season. Now more than ever, cost of living is more and more unaffordable, which puts pressure on parents to provide for their family. When we gift experiences like a snow fight or tickets to a local play, you are creating life long memories and taking the focus away from materials that will quickly be forgotten.
I vaguely remember the gifts I was given as a child. Sure, I was given a GT racer. I don’t remember who gave it to me or if it was new or used, but the memories around that gift gave me endless experiences with my family and friends. When we gift experiences, we provide an opportunity to spend time with those we love, which slows down the holiday season and it becomes less stressful and more enjoyable.
So this holiday season, consider gifting experiences and creating long term memories with those you love. Teach your little ones so that they become healthy, happy traditions. Happy holidays!
Becky Morrison is a Nurse Practitioner based out of Calgary who has specialized in mental health for over a decade. She is finally, after years of infertility, a mother of two busy little boys, and doting fur mom of her gentle giant, Stella. She is, and always will be, a strong advocate for mental wellness at all ages.
