As we roll into November, I’m thinking back on the last 7 months and realizing how thankful I am. Thankful for the quiet. Thankful for the cozy time spent with my son. Thankful for all the Sunday zoom calls with my family in DC and Chicago. We didn't have these pre-pandemic and because of them, I’m feeling closer to my family more than ever.
All this thankfulness is giving me the idea that I’d like to do this holiday season differently. First of all, I’d like to give and receive less stuff. I’ve always leaned in to giving experiences over things but this year I’d like to do that even more. A friend just shared with me that they are going to include their kids (8 and 12) in helping make the decisions about where to give this year. Will they sponsor a local family and help buy their xmas gifts? Will they donate to a local animal shelter? I love this idea and would love to incorporate more of this, and not just at the holidays.
A few years back, my son’s dad and I gave everyone in our family a gift card for an animal we sponsored in their name from Heifer International and another year a person sponsored in their name for a vision surgery from See International. They loved these gifts. And they didn’t have to find a space in their house for them.
I think because we all have more time at home (without the social obligations) I’m also thinking about making a homemade gift. It could be as simple as a few batches of zucchini muffins for neighbors who are alone and are separated from their family. Or an easy batch of kahlua in cute bottles.
What are you thankful for right now?