The Christmas season is a time to give. It’s a time when people give to family and friends, neighbours, people in their social circle and even strangers. There are gift exchanges between families, colleagues and friends. Kids make their ‘wish list’ for Santa and a lot of people rush around trying to find the ‘perfect’ gift to buy.

With all of the emphasis put on giving gifts, we can easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and before we know it the credit card statement balance keeps climbing, stress levels are maxed out and instead of enjoying the season we find ourselves burnt out, tired and overwhelmed.

But did you know there’s gifts you can give anyone that don’t cost you money? And, in fact they will likely be remembered longer and have a greater impact on people than the latest tech gadget, another pair of pants or another purse.

Here’s 5 things you can give that won’t cost you a penny, but will have a VERY big impact on the person you give them to, and have you feeling better too:

  1. Time: There’s 24 hours each day and we’ve all heard the cliché, ‘I wish I had more time’ or, ‘there’s just not enough time.’ Those statements alone speak to how valuable and precious time is. We all have the same 24 hours in each day, but how we use it is up to us. Knowing how precious time is, imagine how good it would feel if someone gave you some of their time? Amongst all of the activities and demands on your time, try carving out time during the day to spend with your kids, your partner, a friend, co-worker or even a stranger. You could choose to volunteer at an event, or with a charity. It doesn’t have to be long or drawn out, it just needs to be sincere and intentional. Time means a lot to everyone and when someone gives their time to another it says to that person they’re special, thought of and cared for. How’s that for an impactful gift!
  2. Energy: This time of year can be tough for some people. The holidays can remind them of loss, guilt, shame or all of the above. These feelings make it difficult for them to truly enjoy the holidays and they usually drain a person’s energy. When you’re feeling positive and upbeat, the energy you give to another person could be the difference between them having a bad day and a good day. When you show up in their world with positive energy, life giving words and a fresh perspective you have the ability to give them a priceless gift. Never underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life.
  3. Knowledge: If you sit back and think about it, you have knowledge about certain topics that others only wish they had. You know things based on your personal experiences that you can now share with others. Maybe you went to University, have a degree or took a course on a specific topic or area of study. Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Instead, share it with others. If someone is struggling through a situation or needs help with something and you know what to do, or have potential solutions to help solve their problems, give them your knowledge. Share with them. Talk with them. Give them the gift of what you know.
  4. Your ears: Did you know there’s a difference between hearing and listening? Lot’s of people do a lot of ‘hearing’, but we tend to do less ‘listening’. Listening happens when we give our undistracted attention to someone, when we make eye contact, we ask questions, we’re engaged in the conversation and not looking at our phone or trying to do something else at the same time. This holiday season give others your ears and ‘listen’ to them. You’ll feel more connected in conversation and you’ll likely learn some new things too.
  5. A smile: There’s one facial expression that’s a mood booster, life giver and can almost instantly lift two people’s spirits…it’s a smile! There’s research that’s proven that when a person smiles it activates the happy hormones like serotonin in our body and makes us feel better. Giving someone a smile is a two part gift that gives them something and will also help you feel better at the same time. They cost you nothing and give so much.

It's easy to get caught up in thinking the only way we can give is to spend money on someone and give them a gift they can touch and feel. But it doesn’t have to be this way. These are five highly impactful gifts that won’t cost you a penny and in giving these things to someone else you’ll be surprised at how much it gives back to you. I can’t remember gifts I’ve gotten at past Christmases, but I can remember the times someone gave me one of the things on this list and what it did to lift my spirits or encourage me.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, have fun giving throughout the year!

As a Realtor, I'm always in the spirit of giving. It's one of the main reasons I got into this industry, to give of myself to others. 

If you have any questions about the home buying or selling journey, let's connect and talk about it. I'll give you my ears, advice, encouragement, support and answers. 

Have an amaZing day!

People First. Homes second. 

Garrett Zimmerman

Realtor

403.506.5795