Make it a more meaningful holiday season

What are you hoping for most this holiday season? Let me guess… health, happiness, some good food, time to relax, time to exercise, time to yourself, time with friends, and above all, time with cherished family members. Am I right?!

Notice how the word “time” comes up again and again? That’s because ‘time’ really is a gift… and it’s ours to give. Why not do things a little differently this holiday season and throughout 2017? A few simple changes can help make this season less stressful, more meaningful, and much more memorable.

1. Make time for yourself. It’s not selfish to carve out 30 minutes of “me” time each day over the holiday season and every day that follows. Go ahead and soak in the tub, paint your nails, read a book, enjoy a hot cup of tea, or take a brisk walk in the chilly outdoors to show your heart and lungs some love.
2. Volunteer in your community. The great work all those charitable organizations do in your community could be greater still if you pledged a few hours of time to help them out. Walk some  dogs at a local animal shelter, offer your skills as a pianist at a home for older adults, help welcome a family new to Canada, make a meal or two for an elderly neighbour, or volunteer in any other way that makes your heart sing! Click here to learn more.
3. Use your time (and talents!) to make homemade gifts. Homemade gifts are usually the ones most appreciated…they come from the heart. Why not use your time and talents to make some gifts this year? Baked goods, homemade jams, home cooked meals, and tasteful crafts are always enjoyed.
4. Give the gift of time. Get creative this holiday season and wrap up a few gifts that will bring you closer to those you love. How about some of these low or no-cost ideas:

• The gift of dinner and a movie (at home or out).
• Nordic walking poles for each member of the family and the offer of company on daily walks as you chat up a storm and get fit together. Order at www.urbanpoling.com
• Make a book of coupons that can be redeemed by recipients for time together baking cookies, making snowmen, tobogganing, ice skating, enjoying hot chocolate, wintry walks, making crafts, sleepovers at grandma’s, playing board games, reading stories, etc. Kids can make coupon books to give to their friends and family members too. Sweet!
• Register in a class or program you can enjoy together. Consider cooking classes, fitness classes, or learning a new language together.
• Make it known that quality time with loved ones is the gift you cherish most. Gifts needn’t be expensive or store-bought to be meaningful. Quite the contrary.

How will you make the upcoming holiday season a little more meaningful? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Catherine
@cate_cameron