“I wish I wasn’t busy all the time”
“Life is so hectic!”
“I’d really like to come, but I just don’t have the time.”
“If only I had some free time…”
Do these comments sound familiar? Imagine how it would feel to be able to give or receive the gift of time. It sounds like a hard task, but when you’re old and you reflect back on your life, what will you remember most, the stuff you received as gifts, or the time you spent with the people you care about?
Durring the holidays one year my grandpa suffered a heart attack. All I could think was how little time I had been spending with him. When I went to go see him the first thing he said to me was “So you’re too busy for everyone these days.” Those words really hit home with me.
My grandpa made me realize life really is short and how important it is to make time for the people you love. Because what we cherish and remember even more than materialistic things are meaningful, memorable experiences spent with people we care about. Now, I spend time with him at least once a week.
So in preparation for the holidays, consider giving the gift of an experience rather than a thing. This can be anything from making a home-cooked meal, special dinner out, movie passes, an outdoor adventure or day trip around the city. Make a coupon book filled with redeemable vouchers reading “Good for 3 hours of time spent with me” or “Good for one whole-house cleaning” (I personally would love to receive this last one) . Be creative and think about what you are able to offer and what the person would appreciate most.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Article written by Prabhjit Banga, Program Coordinator at Earth Day Canada
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