Image by Andy Noren (flickr)
Christmas is around the corner and everyone is panicking to get everything done in time. From wrapping up work to decorating the house to doing all the food shopping to buy Christmas gifts for your loved ones - there definitely is plenty to do! Personally I love this time of the year because it's the only time my whole family from all over Europe flies to my parents for a very special few days of Christmas celebrations. There are lots of traditions we follow, lots of amazing food to be eaten and lots of fun to be had - I simply cannot wait! On top of all this amazing holiday magic, one of my other favourite things about Christmas is buying Christmas gifts for my loved ones.
I know the holiday isn't all about shopping however I do think it is a lot about giving. There are many ways we can give to each, and I try to maximise all types of giving over the December month. From giving people extra attention to giving them extra love to giving them actual concrete gifts. When it comes to buying gifts, it's good to remind yourself of why you're buying something for someone and the kind of effect you're hoping to have on them with that gift. Of course if they wish for something then it's great to give them what they want, but I also always like to add an extra surprise in if I give someone something off their wish list. Why? Because I know what helps people to find short and long term happiness and I want to give gifts that encourages this to happen.
My three favourite Christmas gift ideas which really have the power to influence your happiness in a positive way are all about experiences, personal development and personalisation:
- Give an experience. It could be theatre tickets, a dining experience, a cooking class, a spa treatment or even a special experience you want to create for them (like a homecooked 3 course meal by candlelight). Experiences are incredibly powerful happiness boosters because we excitedly anticipate them, we enjoy them when we actually have them, and then we also reminisce about them after they've happened. Objects or things are less likely to create this triple positivity boost because often when we get them we enjoy using them and then we adapt to their use without fully appreciating them because we get so used to them.
- Give something that helps them to grow and learn. The most useful gift you can give anyone is something that helps them develop. It could be anything as simple as a self-help book to something more interactive like a fully fledged online course. If you really want to spoil someone, you could get them a coaching package so they can start working towards their goals and dreams successfully in 2015. Humans are always naturally evolving because we are dynamic creatures, and that's why we are also our happiest when we are learning. Give a gift that will help your loved ones learn, and you'll also boost their happiness and help them succeed.
- Give a personalised gift. There's nothing like receiving a gift that has some personal touches from your loved ones. It could be a mug with a personalised message, a T-shirt with a funny phrase only you two understand, or an engraving on another gift they asked for. It shows that great care and consideration went into the gift and it makes the recipient of the gift feel even more special. Also, every time they pick up that gift, it will remind them of you and your special relationship with them, making them smile.
I hope these tips are helpful when it comes to deciding what to buy for your loved ones. Remember it's not about how much you spend but about the thought that went into that gift. With that, I leave you to prepare for the lovely holidays with a few last ideas for Christmas gifts.
"To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."
~ Oren Arnold ~
