Consider "presence not presents" this holiday season. Giving of yourself is the most precious gift of all. Time with each other is what we most long for and often happens less than we would like.
Make a redeemable coupon that the recipient can exchange for the service:
For intimate relationships:
- Give a massage.
- Suggest a movie your partner will like that you won't, and don't complain about it.
- Have a date night.
- Do the chore your partner hates most for a week.
- Offer to pick up dinner on the way home.
- Enjoy an activity together that you use to do before responsibilities took over.
For your relationships with the children:
- Read, read, read, and then read to them some more. You can also have them read to you.
- Take children to a park ,or for a hike, or bike ride, and enjoy the outdoors. As the naturalists say, "there is no bad weather only bad gear."
- Cook something together.
- Play a board game.
- Volunteer together at a local charity.
- Work in the yard or on a house project ,without it becoming a chore.
- Take the time to listen and be curious.
For your relationships with your community and friends:
- Bring food to a neighbor in need.
- Offer to help with a household chore for someone who has physical difficulties.
- Call and chat for a few minutes.
- Organize a clean up project.
- Have a potluck dinner together.
