Jennifer Bonn

BY JENNIFER BONN

The holiday season can be stressful and busy because there is so much extra activity and planning. We have to plan the right gift for each person in our lives. Gifts are a way of saying thank you or telling someone you care about them. As we enter the holiday season, many of us find our wallets lighter than usual, so creativity will be needed. The best gifts do not have to break our budgets, and those gifts that show thought went into them are more precious than the expensive ones.

Gifts of Service

Many people have needs that they struggle to meet. You can help in the following ways. • Do yard work for a neighbor who cannot do it himself. • Fix a meal for a neighbor, a church member, or anyone who could use some kindness because food is love. • Pick up groceries for someone who cannot get out of the house. • Volunteer at senior centers.

Gifts of Talent

• Play an instrument, sing or dance at one of the local organizations. Music is a universal language. • Use your artistic talent to make arts and crafts for daycares or senior centers. • Volunteer to share your talents at local schools.

Gifts of Memories

• Make memory books for loved ones, detailing all the important memories you have shared. • Make a photo album with your favorite memories.

Gifts of Gratitude

Let the people in your life know how special they are to you. Write cards to thank them for being a part of your life. If you can afford it, give them gifts that are specific to their interests.

Gifts of Anticipation

The holidays are a time when anything can happen. There is a feeling of hope and anticipation. My mom was a master when it came to making holidays special. She would talk about all the wonderful things we would do, eat and see. She knew how to build our anticipation of the holidays to a fevered pitch. Build that anticipation among those you love with your hopes for the coming year.

Gifts of Love

The holidays are a time when love seems more present. It is also a time when not everyone has friends and family, and, after the last two years, many are struggling with grief from the loss of a loved one. If you know of someone like this, invite them into the festivities, and make them feel loved instead of lonely.

Make this holiday season about community and extending kindness and love. Instead of worrying about not being able to afford gifts, give the gifts that matter.

Jennifer Bonn is a freelance writer in Kennesaw and a recently retired 40-year educator. Her book, “101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden,” was recently released and is available on Amazon.