What? Christmas already?
Being late can be a matter of perspective. If you feel like you've run out of time, here are several ways to spread Christmas cheer. There is still enough time for last minute gifts that aren't expensive or too-time intensive.
1. Send out a few Christmas cards with a personal note. So it's a few days late- who cares? In our digital age, receiving anything in the mail is fun. Include a personal note and you've gone from fun to special.
2. If you have a little time to bake this weekend, consider some homemade food items as gifts. If you are skilled in the kitchen, culinary gifts are a treat. My brother and his wife make the best homemade salsa. One year they made red salsa and green salsa and gifted it to us. Best. Salsa. Ever.
3. Print a picture and frame it. Print pictures are going the way of the dodo. Receiving a framed picture of a special memory from 2013 is more special than ever.
4. Going through a drive through for a caffeine pick-me-up or burger? Pay for the person behind you. Ask the attendant at the window to pass on a Christmas card to them. Keep it anonymous but write something short and sweet: "Hope you have a blessed holiday season," or "Grace and peace to you this holiday season." Know that you just gave away some Christmas spirit.
5. Take 20 minutes to call two family members you won't see this holiday season. Sometimes, the gift of time is even more precious than gifts that require financial resources.
6. Create a Christmas memory. Gather up friends (or your family) and sing Christmas carols in the neighborhood. No one does this anymore! {I'm going to try this one this year}.
7. Are you a coffee-addict like me? What special something could you do for the baristas? A personalized Christmas card might be a nice gesture. Is the barista who always greets you with a smile a fan of fun hair bands or quirky earrings? (Or a hand cream to soothe their skin after washing their hands so much!). You'll make their day by reminding them how much you appreciate them!
8. Invite someone over for a meal. If you're already eating, having someone over is more of a cost of convenience than money for food (unless you're inviting a family with four teenagers. That's going to cost a pretty penny). Hosting meals is another event that is becoming more rare. If you're feeling real brave, invite someone who might be alone for the holidays.
9. I believe in the power of prayer. I also believe I don't spend enough time in prayer. Spend a few minutes talking to God about a person who is having a hard time this holiday season. I often will pray in my car before I go to an appointment or into Starbucks to write. It's a few minutes of alone and quiet time. There's nothing as empty as saying "I'll pray for you" when I don't. On the other hand, knowing that I've spend time thanking God for an individual (or family) and praying for them helps me to feel more connected not only to God, but to the person. Send a note and let them know they have been on your heart and your mind.
10. Enjoy a Christmas gift to you. Take 10 minutes with your favorite hot drink in front of the Christmas tree. Snuggle to read a Christmas novella or your favorite book for a few minutes. Take a walk and look at Christmas lights. Think about all the good things. No matter what kind of year it's been, just focus on the good that is right now. You've made it through another year.
Sometimes, making it through is a miracle in itself.
The post Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank appeared first on Launch Your Creative Life.