Give What Really Matters This Christmas (it may be free!)

Buying gifts can be fun, but is it what the person actually wants?

The holiday season has a way of convincing us that love is measured by how many presents end up under the tree.

According to the idea of love languages, a book written by Dr. Gary Chapman in 1992 - and still very valid - people experience love and care in different ways. It’s a personal thing!

It can be through words of affirmation, quality time, thoughtful gestures, touch, and of course gifts too. While December tends to focus heavily on the gift giving part, many people connect more through completely different forms of love.

Some people feel most loved through quality time, a meaningful conversation over coffee, a quiet walk in the snow admiring all the beautiful decorated homes, or simply being together without rushing to the next thing. For them, your presence is the real present.

Others value acts of service like a shoveled driveway, running an errand for them, cooking together, or stepping in when life feels overwhelming. These everyday gestures can mean far more than anything wrapped with a bow.

Some people treasure words of affirmation. a thoughtful letter, a holiday card with a personal message inside, or a something that says, “You matter to me.” Kind words can warm a heart!

There’s also physical touch, a hug, a hand to hold, a cuddle on the couch, or even choosing to unwind together. For some, a gift certificate for a massage or hot stone treatment can be a beautiful way to offer a moment of touch.

And of course, gift-giving is a love language too. Some people truly light up when receiving something picked just for them.

This season, the most thoughtful thing you can do is pay attention. Notice how the people you care about feel most appreciated and gift that.

Because in the end, the holidays are about how we make each other feel.

Written by the marshmallow snowmen, heckling from the hot-chocolate peanut gallery, who would like to remind you that not all gifts fit in a stocking.