Your shopping is done. The company holiday party came and went. And now the countdown is on to the big day.
How are you planning to mark Christmas of 2022? What is going to make this season memorable for you? Will it be the presents you give or the gifts you receive?
Chances are, you’ll retain those fleeting moments of human connection most in the years ahead: the laughs, looks, and feelings of being around loved ones.
No matter your situation, here are some ways to get even more out of the holiday season this year without racking up your credit card.
Connect with Someone You Haven’t Spoken to in a Long Time
It’s easy to lose touch with the people that have meant so much to us in the past.
It happens to everyone. You go a few weeks without corresponding. The weeks gradually turn into months, which eventually become years.
Just because you don’t speak with somebody regularly, it doesn’t mean you don’t still share a connection. Christmas 2022 is the perfect time to reach out.
It’s time to send that person an extended message, or better yet, call them up and talk on the phone.
Christmas is an opportunity to reconnect with childhood friends or that cousin you never get to see. When was the last time you had a conversation with your grandparents?
The older you get, the more you realize that time is the most precious gift.
Indulge in Someone Else’s Presents
Okay, this doesn’t mean you should eat all the best chocolates or steal someone’s new sweater. This suggestion is more about taking an active interest in other people.
Understandably, you might feel burnt out during the holiday season. But it doesn’t take much energy to ask a few questions. People who are passionate about something are generally excited to talk about it.
Engage with your kids while they play with their toys, games, and devices. Volunteer to play that board game or to help build that new LEGO® set.
If you take the time to discover why people are excited about their presents, you’ll learn more about the person and what makes them happy.
Unplug for a Day
Christmas is a day for playing with new toys. But it’s also a time for engaging with loved ones.
This year, give yourself the gift of being offline.
That means no browsing for Boxing Day cyber sales, no social media posting, and no checking work emails.
You’ll have plenty of time to visit your usual online hangouts another day.
A 24-hour cleanse is good for the mind. You might be surprised how a single day away can help you regain your focus.
Tell the People Closest to You How You Feel
If you don’t show affection naturally, Christmas is the best time to make the season just a little more meaningful and joyful.
That could mean giving your dad a big hug. Or it could be as simple as letting your co-workers know how much you appreciate them.
Do Something Special for Someone
Thankfully, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in many of us. It’s the one time of year when everyone is more inclined to donate to those in need. Some will even go the extra mile by volunteering at a food bank, soup kitchen, etc.
But what about those little acts of kindness for the people you know? Not all gifts are store-bought.
How about shovelling a neighbour’s driveway? Or volunteering to do the dishes after your family’s big meal? What about chauffeuring your elderly relatives when you all get together?
Charity for strangers is lovely, but so is giving back to the people we sometimes take for granted. It’s those little gestures that matter.
Final Thoughts
Focusing on being mindful, thoughtful, and generous with your time is never a waste of energy.
However you choose to celebrate the 2022 holiday season, the staff at Excelsior Measuring would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a safe and healthy holiday season, and a happy new year!