5 Gifts to Give This Holiday Season That You Can't Buy on Amazon

"We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give."

                                                                                - Winston Churchill

To say that 2020 has been a challenging year and that this year's holiday season will be much different from what most of us are used to, is indeed an understatement.

The holidays are usually marked with hustle and bustle of year-end activities.  In past years, our calendars filled up with events, parties and gift-giving functions, celebrating family and friends. 

For many of us, that will not be the case this year.  In an effort to keep each other safe and healthy, we will be spending the holidays in smaller groups or even without the direct contact with those we love, using Zoom and other online communication instead.

Stepping out of our norms, we may struggle with how to get into the spirit of the holidays.  However, there are still ways we can do this as we look to give in ways that are you unique to how we may have done in the past.

With this in mind, here are five gifts we can give others and ourselves (that you can’t buy on Amazon or anywhere else) to make this unique holiday season joyous and one to remember.

1) Connect– Take this time to slow down and connect, first with yourself and then with others. Begin each day by allowing your mind to get quiet and connect to the that “still, small voice” within.  Then, from this place, focus on truly “BEing” with those you love, even if it is only virtually.  The greatest gift you can give others is to be truly present with them. 

2) Create – Studies show that what makes us happiest are not the things we acquire, but positive experiences and memories we create. What special and simple things can you do with those you love like walks in nature, sledding, skating (socially distanced, of course) or taking a trip to your loved one’s favorite destination to create a memory that can last a lifetime?

3) Contribute – The holiday season is certainly time of giving. What places can you safely visit, or organizations can you contribute to or safely serve, along with those you love, to truly give back to others? Is it donating or volunteering for a charity, feeding those in need or virtually visiting someone who is lonely? 

4) Contemplate –The giving we do should not be limited to others, but importantly include ourselves.  As one of my teachers once said to me, we need to take care of ourselves so we can help take care of others.  Take time during this period to reflect on your life over the past year by asking yourself these four simple questions.

    - “Where did I succeed?”

    - “Where did I fall short?”

    - “What lessons did I learn?”

    - "What actions can I take to make a positive impact on myself and others in the upcoming year?"

Your answers may surprise you and give you a new sense of purpose for the new year ahead.  You may also be amazed at the wonderful year you had, despite the challenges you faced.

5) Commit– After reflection, commit to where you want to go for the next year ahead. Rather than proclaiming huge goals, why not determine small but consistent actions you can take each day to expand and grow in your health, relationships and work?  For example, you can create a word of focus such as “patience”, “proactive” or “presence” to guide your path throughout the next year.

This year, I encourage all of us to give ourselves and others these five gifts over the holiday season.  You may be surprised how these simple acts may make these unusual holiday times truly special and will continue to keep on giving throughout the entire year.

Happy Holidays!

Chris Natzke

Black Belt Leadership Speaking & Coaching