It’s the holiday season, which many people associate with one thing: gifts. We obsess over finding the perfect gift for our friends and family, and we use these gifts as a method to show people we love them. Although there is nothing wrong with buying physical gifts to express love and affection, there are other non-physical methods that exist to show our loved ones that we care about them. Getting a physical gift is great at the time we receive it, but the best part of receiving non-physical gifts? The warmth and happy feeling tends to linger well beyond just that one moment, and it's a gift that can keep on giving for days, weeks, or even months past the holiday season.

1. The Gift of Experience

Instead of buying extravagant gifts that cost a fortune or trinkets that will sit around catching dust, give the gift of experiences to your friends and family this year. Have they talked about something specific they want to do or somewhere that they want to go with you? Plan a day of adventures, show them some of your favorite places, or let them pick something specific that they want to spend time doing with you. There’s a saying that says “Collect moments, not things”, which in this case is pretty accurate, and giving this gift will create a more personalized experience for both you and them. You’ll not only be able to spend extra time with your family and friends, but it will also be a personal experience for them that they will be able to remember in the future. It has the potential to not just become another thing they own, but a memory that they can cherish for years to come.

2. The Gift of Attention

The holiday time can not only be stressful, but distracting as well. We have a tendency to get lost in all the hustle and bustle and running around, and can often push aside our friends and family without even realizing it. So, this year, give the gift of attention to your family and friends. Put the phone down when you’re sitting and talking with them, shoot them a call or a text to let them know you’re thinking about them, or allot a specific time during the holiday season to just go and spend time with them. This will make your friends and family not only feel loved, but appreciated as well, which is especially important during a season full of giving.

3. The Gift of Friendship

Everybody knows winter is not only dark and cold, but it can also just be plain gloomy overall. People have a tendency to feel lonelier during the winter months and around the time of the holidays, so show a little extra love and compassion during this time of year. Is there a friend, acquaintance, or family member you haven’t talked to in a while? Reach out to them and see how they’re doing. It’s super easy, and it leaves more of an impression than you’d think. Everybody can always use a friend, regardless of how many they may already have, so don’t be afraid to give the gift of friendship this holiday season.

4. The Gift of Laughter

As previously mentioned, the holiday season has a tendency to be stressful for many, which can result in less laughter and fun for some. So, don’t be afraid to stimulate laughter among your family and friends this holiday season. Whether that means sending an unflattering selfie to your friends on Snapchat or tagging your family in funny videos on Facebook, try and get a laugh out of your loved ones during the stress of the holiday season. Watch a silly holiday movie together, sing karaoke, etc., but do something that will spark some fun and spread some overall holiday cheer to those in your life.