As the holiday season sprinkles us with good cheer, I’ve been reflecting on the gifts that have mattered most to me. Not the ones wrapped in paper and bows, but the ones wrapped in meaning, memory and connection.
We live in a culture where gift-giving often leans heavily into the material. While there’s joy in unwrapping a shiny new thing. The most cherished gifts in my life have always been those that touched my heart, told a story, or brought my family closer together.
One of my most memorable gifts was a handmade quilt given to me by my parents. It was lovingly crafted by my Pop’s mother from my dad’s old sweaters—some of them were iconic Coogi sweaters from the 1980s. Each stitch seemed to hold a memory, a piece of my dad’s life. The quilt isn’t just an item; it’s a connection, a piece of history I can touch, and a reminder of the care that went into its creation.
Then, there’s the Cabbage Patch doll craze of the early ’80s. My mom waited in an insane early-morning line. She may or may not have had to fight for her life to get one for me. The doll came with her own birth certificate, and even now, decades later, she’s still here—playing new roles in my daughter Aliah’s imaginative world.
Another treasure is the dollhouse, complete with all the furnishings, gifted to us by a kind neighbor when Aliah was a newborn. Their children had outgrown it and they were ready to set it on the curb if we declined. I am thankful they thought we might want it for Aliah when she grew older. Now, that dollhouse is one of her favorite things, sparking endless hours of creativity and joy.
I think about the Christmas when my dad “forgot” to bring in my bike from the porch. He had to explain how Santa must’ve left it outside.
Or the trampoline that almost became the stuff of Christmas disaster movies. My dad and cousin battled the snow and the trampoline pieces all night to set it up. These memories make me smile because they remind me that the gift wasn’t just the object. The gift was the story, the humor, and the love that came with it.
Now, as an adult, I find myself leaning more into giving and receiving gifts that nurture the soul. Taking care of my body and gifting myself time and space to heal is truly a gift. Especially through yoga, which has been one of the most profound gifts I’ve given myself. Every moment on my mat feels like an offering of love to myself; a practice and commitment to my growth and well-being.
I also, treasure the time I spend nurturing my relationships. Talking with loved ones, trying to understand their journeys, and seeing how it deepens my understanding of myself is a gift that keeps on giving.
And of course, there’s the artwork from my kids. Precious pieces made during their homeschool days with Grantie, and now in public school. I hang their little ornaments on the tree, just as my mom has held onto the ceramic treasures I made for her in elementary school. Those tiny creations remind me of how deeply love is rooted in the things we make with our hands and hearts.
This year, my family and I are planning an RV road trip to explore the eastern United States. This will include a stop in Virginia for Christmas. It reminds me of the month-long family trip we took to see western America, weaving memories and stories that we still tell today. These experiences are gifts in their own right—opportunities to connect, laugh, and see the world through fresh eyes together.
Another tradition we’ve implemented is the “rule of 3” for Christmas lists. The kids make a list, and we get them three items: a want, a need, and a necessity. It’s a practice that keeps our budget manageable, helps set realistic expectations, and keeps the focus on what truly matters. They’ve already made their lists for this year, and I can see how thoughtful they have become about their choices. Even if some motives lean toward self-gratification, like my son requesting an iPad for his sister in hopes of getting her off his own!
So, as I plan for holidays, I’m leaning into this idea of mindful giving. Instead of focusing on what I can buy, I’m asking myself: What can I give that will truly matter? Maybe it’s a heartfelt craft, or simply time together.
The most meaningful gifts aren’t the ones that fill up our shelves but the ones that fill up our hearts. They’re the memories we carry, the connections we nurture, and the love we share.
BTW: “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”— Mother Theresa
What will you give this season that goes beyond the material. We’d love to hear your ideas and stories. ‘Tis the season!
Other Post You May Enjoy:
Rule of 3: The Family’s Christmas Lists
Healing Through Family Connection: Lessons from Thanksgiving in Houston
Embracing Yoga: A Practice of Body, Mind, and Spirit Connection
2 Comments. Leave new
This is a lovely article. I’m truly touched.
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it.