Presence Over Presents

I’m sharing this on Christmas Eve, and for those who are celebrating - Merry Christmas! For those who aren’t I wish you a special, joyful, warm Holiday season.

As a Holiday, Christmas is known to be an opportunity to get gifts from loved ones and receive the gifts loved ones have gotten for you. While gift-giving dominates what people think about leading up to Christmas, it’s the intention behind it that’s most important.

Getting a gift for someone is a very thoughtful gesture. You take the time to think about their passions, interests, needs, and future-direction to give them something that they’ll find helpful for enjoyable. It’s an expression of love and care to want to get someone special something nice.

What goes along with getting gifts for loved ones is spending time with them. For Christmas families gather and reunite in wonderful ways. Phone calls and pictures sent from miles apart turn into warm hugs and quality time together. And it’s in these moments when you can give the greatest gift of all - your energy and attention. 

As much as a new sweater, toy, or book helps to make someone feel loved and appreciated, your presence is the greatest present. What’s more impactful than a gift you buy for someone is that moment of connection you have with them when they open it, and the conversations you have catching up on all things in life. 

The generosity of gift giving creates the right conditions for real, meaningful time to be spent together. So make the most of it! Lean in, listen, ask questions that bring up great stories, stay off your phone, and give people your most present self. It’ll help them meet their needs for love and belonging unlike any other gift could, and you’ll feel really good about how you spend your day!