Experiences, the ultimate gift
Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Here comes Santa Claus…sound familiar?
They’re all parts of lyrics from the wonderful Christmas music we hear as we shop. I think it’s safe to say retail marketing is genius. Play holiday music, songs that make people feel good and they will spend more money. Have you ever taken a step back though, and thought what is it about this music that makes me feel so good? Is it the money you’re spending on another gift, that will most likely go untouched in a month or is it the feeling you get from the music. The music that reminds you of Christmases past. Holiday’s spent with family and friends making memories that will last a lifetime. That’s the true magic of Christmas. I intended to write a whole blog on shopping for Christmas, gifts to buy and where to go. However, maybe it’s the hormones, maybe its all the Hallmark movies I keep watching, whatever it may be I have changed my mind and I am glad.
I know you will buy gifts and you’ll do a great job picking them out as they are from the heart and for your loved ones. Just don’t overspend. This Christmas, the best gift you can give is an experience. Take your family somwhere new, go see The Tree in New York, travel to visit family that’s long overdue, see a show, or just play good old fashioned board games by your Christmas Tree, with the electronics turned off and bask in the moment before it’s long gone. You don’t have to spend thousands on an extravagant vacation to make memories. There are tons of things to do right here in New York or in your own hometown. Your money is better spent on creating a memory and moments together, than on a material item that soon will become next years trash.
Now, don’t get me wrong I too love a good gift. I don’t need several of them or even the most expensive. Priorities change as you get older and the things we put value on shouldn’t come with a price tag. My plan for when our little girl arrives, is to give her a few items from Santa and take a family trip once a year. So…we can create memories that she will never forget. So… when she is older and shopping in the stores and hears the music, she will remember how the time spent with her family made her feel and not the presents under the tree.
xx
Ashli
This view from our honeymoon. Our second trip to Mexico.
A blurry candid photo of us in our element. Laughing, on a trip to see family in SC.
My first football game with Kevin and his parents. One of my favorite memories. This was such a FUN day.
Captured on our yearly, Helm family vacation to the beach.
Our wedding day. In our backyard, surrounded by family and friends. Suprise wedding, inexpensive and the most memorable yet.
