Sometimes, I find myself feeling overwhelmed when I step into a busy shopping center or crowded space, especially during the holiday season. The mad rush, the pushing and shoving, the collective anxiety of everyone trying to keep up—it’s as though a chaotic energy sweeps over everyone. The psychological surge of the Christmas season, with its relentless focus on buying gifts and spending money, creates a frenzy that’s hard to escape.
I used to be one of those people. I got caught up in the excitement of shopping for gifts, buying endless amounts of food, and chasing the thrill of the holiday period. But when the day of celebration passed—after the eating, drinking, and gifting was over—I’d find myself back in reality, wondering if it had all been worth it. It made me question what I truly desire and what matters most in life.
As the years have gone by, I began to notice how difficult it became to buy gifts. Many of us already have everything we need, and the things we buy often end up forgotten, tucked away in a cupboard. I’ve also seen how people stretch their finances thin, sometimes at the cost of basic necessities like food or rent, just to keep up with the expectations of gift-giving. Some even dip into emergency funds or borrow money, all to avoid the judgment or pity of others.
I’ve experienced times when money was tight, and I know others have, too. The pressure to spend during the holidays can feel suffocating. This year, I decided to focus on creating experiences rather than buying actual gifts. Experiences hold more meaning. They create memories we can cherish for a lifetime, moments we can revisit in our minds with joy and gratitude. Photos and stories from those experiences become treasures that remind us of the love and connection we share. Especially when we have lost those who were part of our day to day life experience.
Finding peace starts with tuning out the noise of the world and listening to yourself. What do you truly want? What do the people around you really value? Often, when we stop and reflect, we realize that the most precious gifts are not material things but the time, love, and thought we put into our actions for those we truly care about.
Holiday periods should be about spending time with family and creating a space filled with love, laughter, and joy. These moments are priceless compared to any gift we can give or receive. That’s not to say gifts aren’t meaningful—I love receiving thoughtful presents—but it’s about focusing on what is truly needed and valued. Taking the time to understand someone’s wants and needs, and giving them something that speaks to that, carries so much more substance than grabbing something random off a shelf.
For me, thoughtful giving is about understanding what truly matters to the people I care about. It’s about moving away from the frantic “grab-and-go” culture of gift shopping and instead considering what might genuinely bring joy or fulfill a need.
The greatest gift we can give ourselves is peace within, its something money cannot buy.
When we quiet the noise of the world and tune into our inner self, you can hear what truly matters. It helps us to let go of the pressure, the noise, and the chaos. Inner peace radiates outward, creating harmony in our relationships and our surroundings.
As we go back into the busyness of the new year, I encourage you to take a step back. Reflect on what brings you joy, what brings others joy, and how you can foster a sense of peace and connection. Whether it’s through creating experiences, giving meaningful gifts, or simply being present with your loved ones, know that your intention is the most valuable thing you can offer.
Written by Tersia Woodenberg -Soulcheck Holistic Therapy
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