The holiday season often bombards us with messages about what we should want—shiny new things, the perfect gifts, the latest gadgets. It’s easy to get swept up in all the pressure to spend, to keep up, and to check off every item on our wish list. But in the middle of all that, it’s important to take a step back and remember what truly brings us joy.
Research* has shown that material possessions may give us a fleeting sense of happiness, but that feeling fades much faster than we expect. What lasts longer, what really nurtures our well-being, are the experiences we have—those moments that stay with us long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Think about it for a moment—what are the happiest memories you carry with you? Are they about the newest gadget you bought or the outfit you wore once? Probably not. More likely, they’re about the times you laughed until your stomach hurt with friends, shared quiet moments over a meal with family, or enjoyed a peaceful walk with someone who means a lot to you.
This holiday season, why not try something different? Instead of focusing on traditional-style gifts like that sweater that never gets worm, try gifts that provide experiences. They could be tickets to an experience perhaps that you can share with the recipient. Or something that you create like making a special dinner for someone.
By shifting your focus from things to experiences (both as a giver and receiver), you’re not just enhancing your holiday season—you’re building a collection of memories that will nourish your heart for years to come. And in the end, those moments are the ones that will continue to bring you happiness, long after the season is over.
*Gilovich, T., Kumar, A., & Jampol, L. (2015). A wonderful life: Experiential consumption and the pursuit of happiness.Current Directions in Psychological Science, 24(6), 466-470.
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