With the holiday season fast approaching, many families and friends will be gathering for meals while others may be invited to come, but may not show up because they are busy, aren’t close to the family any longer, or going through their share of challenges. Here are some tips to get a dialogue going, if necessary, about what might be their issue for not calling, writing, or coming around the family.
Communicate your concerns. Chances are that their reasonings might be genuine or they may be covering feelings. Think about what their last encounter with the family might have been like. Ask questions to hear their side of the story. However, if there weren’t any issues, it could be that the family member or friend really is busy or desires to sit this one out because they aren’t in the best of spirits. Don’t add any more stress by being emotional, rude, or arrogant. Be understanding and consider doing the following.
Show love and provide a sense of peace and comfort in your act of giving to him or her.
1. Cook their favorite meal and offer to bring it to them if they live close. If not, send snacks and desserts. We have a great partner who designs beautiful gift baskets that they can customize for you or buy already prepared, learn more here.
2. Write a heartfelt letter.
This is a lost art form, but beautiful letters go a long way.
3. Buy them a small gift.
If you have little money, a simple gift card in the mail is a nice gesture.
4. Make them a personalized playlist.
There are youtubers who have videos on how to do this list. You will want to either place music on a cd (if they still listen to those) or send it through a music service or have them download via a shared drive.
5. Offer to do something for them that you know they don't like doing.
Whether it is babysit children, cleaning and organizing, or running errands, sending them a text, card or email letting them know when you are available to help them.
6. Give them a hug and tell them how much you love them the next time you see them. It means a whole lot if they haven’t been held in a long time.
7. Draw or write a picture expressing your love for them. People enjoy getting a great piece of artwork especially from someone who they admire their talents.
8. Take them on a special date. An outing is good for the soul especially to a favorite place, so share your availability with them to see when you both could hang out.
9. Donate in their name to their favorite charity. This comes in handy later when they must file taxes, saving them money.
10. Send a gift to someone on their behalf like a child that they are unfortunately are unable to give to him or her currently.
When you show someone just how much you love and appreciate them, it goes a long way! You never know when you will be down and out and will want someone to remember to reach out to you. Do check out our partner, Design It Yourself Gift Baskets. They have a wonderful array of gifts that will brighten anyone’s day from the chocolate lover to the cheese lover and everyone in between! They have “get well,” “thinking of you” and other great heart-warming gift baskets, see here. Thanks for your support!
