The holiday season is approaching.

Most people are actively creating their holiday wish list, or avidly searching for gift ideas for their partner, children, parents, siblings, friends, etc.

Something unique.

Something that confirms to the recipient that you know and love them.

Something meaningful and memorable.

If you do a Google Search of “best Christmas gifts for… dads or travelers” you’ll get article after article with a list of a dozen products to buy with corresponding links to different websites.

But are tangible gifts the best idea?

Let me ask you a simple question…

Can you remember every gift you’ve gotten? From your family, your partner, etc.?

If the answer is yes, you remember (practically) every gift from every year then by all means, buy more things.

But if the answer is no, reconsider your buying behavior this holiday. Just reconsider.

Have a discussion with your people and ask the hard questions. Are we buying gifts for the right reasons, or are we doing it because “we’re supposed to”?

Do we really need to mad dash to the mall to buy a dozen gifts for everyone? Is that the meaning of Christmas?

No. I don’t think so.

Christmas is about connection.

Christmas is about traditions.

I do not believe that Christmas is about showering your children, siblings, parents, best friend, or partner with a thousand dollars worth of gifts in the form of 20+ things they can open. Just for the temporary thrill of seeing the tree packed with presents.

I mean, think about all the waste! Gift wrap, product packaging, etc. Not to mention the gifts that will end up in the garbage in a matter of weeks or months.

Take a moment and think about your favorite memories from Christmas.

Seriously, pause reading, and reflect on Christmas past…

Write them down…

Go ahead…

…

I bet most of your favorite Christmas memories have nothing to do with the actual gifts, and more to do with the act of gifting and with feeling of being together, spending time together, doing something nice for each other, right?

When I was in a six-year relationship, I loved that at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions, instead of material objects like jewelry, shoes, decor, etc. we’d gift each other experiences instead.

Something we could do and enjoy together.

Something where we could explore, laugh, and play.

Something where we could co-create memories.

Something where we could deepen our bond.

While buying tickets to a big event or a getaway might only last a couple of days or a week, the memories will last longer than any mug, pair of shoes or latest hi-tech gadget.

And that is more sustainable than a material gift where the packaging will get thrown out immediately, and, eventually… so will most gifts.

I often feel like we’re so encouraged to buy, buy, buy… spend, spend, spend… that we are just one new pair of shoes, a gym membership, or a bigger house away from feeling like the best version of ourselves.

But, that’s bullshit. It never ends.

In a country where the average American DEBT per household is $139,500, it’s as if knowing you are enough, and not buying into this notion of materialism to validate your existence (literally) is the most radical idea you can have.

If you need material objects to make you feel adequate, you will never feel that you are enough.

This is often a struggle for me. I’m guilty of buying another cute tee that’s “so durable for travel and versatile, I can dress it up or down”, another pair of workout pants for practicing and teaching yoga, and $100 face serums. And I think it’s going to make me happier?

No, it won’t.

Real, authentic, lasting happiness does not come from a store.

Happiness comes from within.

How each of us cultivates happiness will look different to each person. True.

However, I can almost guarantee the freedom you will feel, the experiences you have, the lessons you learn, the new or revolutionary ideas you have while traveling is a pretty good place to start.

So if you’re craving something more… profound this holiday season, here are a few alternatives to the traditional gift giving practice.

one - Gift a Trip

The best gift for travelers isn’t a new passport holder, a neck pillow, or suitcase… it’s a trip!

Instead of getting wrapped up in the mindless desire to consume at the holidays, think different.

Think BIG - truly unique and memorable.

Investing in a trip is something that you and your partner, friend, family member, etc. can co-create lasting memories.

We’re talking about quality over quantity here.

What more memorable surprise gift is there than opening up a beautifully wrapped package to discover plane tickets and hotel accommodations to some exotic destination your spouse/partner/friend has always wanted to go to?!

Not sure where to go or what to do while you’re there? Book a travel consult call with me to discuss all of your options! Or hire me for full-service travel planning.

two - Take a Trip

If you’re not into the surprise thing, you could instead co-decide to ditch the traditional Christmas celebration and spend Christmas to New Years away instead.

Picture spending a week lounging on the Caribbean beaches then exploring the jungle in Belize while everyone else is shoveling snow?

Or perhaps spend the money on flights and hotel to Europe to experience a European Christmas market for yourself.

Bonus: buy only one gift in the country that will act as a magical souvenir and something to open on Christmas morning.

If you’re one of the many American households in debt and can’t (or shouldn’t) afford a vacation this year, then…

three - secret santa

Instead of creating clutter in your home just for momentary joy of seeing all the presents under your tree, try a Secret Santa instead. Draw names, set a budget, and instead of overspending buying everyone $60 gifts of whatever thing you see they might like… get really intentional with your gift.

Again, quality over quantity.

My family uses Draw Names as our Secret Santa generator and you can also upload your Christmas list in case you’re in to that.

four - sAVE YOUR MONEY!

Skip the gifts or trips all together and put that in your savings and invest in yourself and your future. Or limit yourself to a reasonable budget.

If you’re stressed about money, the best gift you can get yourself or partner is putting that money towards paying off debt or into your savings for a just in case.

Write a note to yourself expressing your gratitude for putting your “holiday gift money” towards paying off your debt or towards your savings, and what that action means for your future. Write down what you envision for your life for the next year with this weight lifted. Put this letter in a beautiful envelope and place under your tree to open on Christmas morning.

More than a tree, a pot-roast dinner, and presents, Christmas is about giving presence; to our loved ones, to our neighbors, to those in need.

Let’s shift our focus on quality over quantity! Starting with Christmas.