As the days inch closer to the most wonderful time of the year, you may be feeling stressed out because your Christmas shopping isn't finished.
Not to worry! Put on those leggins and your ugliest Christmas sweater, get comfortable, and let's finish it together.
But first, you'll have to leave that big box website. Because instead of giving things this year, you'll be giving "experiences."
1. Perhaps the most obvious reason to give experiences is the memories that are created. Science is quickly proving that the memories created by adventure are stronger than those created around an item. It makes sense, doesn't it? While "things" bring short-term joy, we hold on to memories made with others and nostalgically return to them again and again.
Do you remember your first trip to Disney? I do! I can still see the dancers and hear the laughter as my parents, brother, and I sang at the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review. And when they slammed down the fried chicken in the cast iron pot, we all jumped!
2. While you're loved ones may open a gift letting them know about their experience on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, looking forward to the event is half the fun!
When we have to wait for material items to arrive, we often become impatient. (When was the last time you were happy that an Amazon package was running late?) That isn't the case for experiences. Quite the opposite! The period of time we wait for an event to arrive is often filled with excitement and happy anticipation. We actually feel joy while we wait.
3. You can be guaranteed that the experience will never go out of style. Bell bottoms, Walkmans, and Swatch watches have all gone by the wayside. No so with an experience! A gondola ride through the canals in Vienna was just as exciting 50 years ago as it is today.
Swimming in a cenote in Mexico? "That's so 1987", said no one ever!
4. The absolute best reason to give experiences is that they can be shared! It's much harder to share a present. (When's the last time you gave your toddler a toy and their sibling didn't scream until they shared it?) Experiences, on the other hand, can be shared by lots of people.
White-water rafting through the Grand Canyon? More fun with your family.
Taking in the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower? Better when holding hands with the one you love.
Waving goodbye to the mainland as you set sail to the Caribbean? A bigger celebration with friends.
There's no doubt that experiences enrich our lives. In fact, they beat material objects every time.
Looking for the perfect experience to give? We're here to help.
Schedule your complimentary vacation consultation with Canopy of Stars Travel and you'll be ready for Christmas in no time.
I wish you well. I wish you safe and happy travels. And I can't wait to see you under a Canopy of Stars.
Jennifer