Yes, this is personal finance blog. But I don’t want you to save more money, pay off your debt, build an emergency fund, or invest just for the sake of having more money. That’s not what it’s about. I want you to do it for the freedom it brings. Freedom from stress and the freedom to use your time how you want.
With less stress and more time, you’re better able to truly pay attention and give your time to the most important people in your life – those you love.
During this time of year, we tend to get caught up in gift giving, shopping, and the harried rush of activities. But, please, don’t forget about the best gift of all – your time. I can’t say it any better than this:
Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is “T-I-M-E.” ― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?
This time of the year, when many are digging themselves deeper into debt to buy their loved ones gifts, it’s important to take a step back and recognize why we give gifts (and if we are really giving the best gifts). We give gifts to show our appreciation for a person, to show them we love and care about them.
Give Them the Best Gift of All
The best gift you can give someone is your time. They will soon forget the perfect gift you purchased at the mall, but they will never forget the time you spent, the memories you created, together. Those memories will never be left to gather dust in a closet or fall off the shelf and break.
So, if you’re on the fence for that last minute gift, stop for a second and consider the person you are buying for. What would the gift of your time mean to them?
Do they like coffee? Take them out for breakfast at a great coffee shop.
Do they like wine? Take them out for a nice glass of wine.
Do they enjoy great food? Cook them a gourmet meal.
Do they love the outdoors? Plan a hike you can take together (or a backpacking adventure).
Do they like to play games? Buy them a new game (or give them one of yours) and play it with them.
Do they love to read? Read a book together and talk about it.
Give them the best gift of all. Spend time with them doing the things they love to do.
Well said, Amanda! We’ll be spending the holidays with my in-laws for a few days and then my folks for a few days, so we get spread the love/time around!
Have a great holiday!
Thanks, Jon! That’s what it’s all about! You have a wonderful holiday as well! 🙂
Great reminder, Amanda! I came up w a quote in a recent article along the same lines:
“Time, the rarest of all investments. Given for free, impossible to earn more, and spent until it’s gone.”
I agree, the best gift that you can give loved ones, and a great time of year to apply the lesson.
LOVE the quote, Fritz! I plan on giving a ton of time over the next week or so. Happy holidays! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more. Time is definitely the best gift, and it’s the one people will remember. There was a point in my life when I was working too much and wasn’t able to spend enough time with my family and friends. I came to the realization that it wasn’t worth it, and over the past 15 years I have been on a different path. We need to decide what’s most important in life and make it a priority.
I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays!
Thanks for the comment, Gary! 🙂 It’s great you are now able to spend more time with your loved ones! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday as well!
As I think back the things I remember about Christmas are the experiences not the gifts. As such I tend to give time and experiences as gifts as well. This is especially true for grandparents that are almost impossible to buy material things for as they already have everything. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Same here! We are giving our kids certificates that entitle them to a meal out at the restaurant of their choice. It’s a great treat for them, and family time too. Thank you so much! Happy holidays to you and your family as well! 🙂
Awesome ideas. We do good at spending time with our loved ones, but I’d sure like to do even better. Amanda, have a blessed and highly favored Christmas, my friend!
Thanks so much! I wish you and your family the best and hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Laurie 🙂
I love this idea. We aren’t doing gifts this year, but instead, are giving experiences. We rented out an Airbnb in the country (we live in a busy city) and just wanted some quiet time. Experiences and memories will go much farther than most gifts.
Thanks, Alexis! I love the idea of a holiday getaway – in my opinion, that’s the perfect gift. Have a fantastic time! Happy holidays!
I read another post recently about someone’s favorite Christmas gift, and I tried to remember mine… but I can’t. I remember the people, the laughs, the food, and my grandpa’s crazy outfits, but not a single present stands out.
Thanks for the reminder that the *things* are not the most important things.
I believe I read that post as well! I couldn’t remember a favorite gift either. I remember the traditions, family, great food, and lots of games and fun! 🙂