Making memories is the best Christmas gift of all

Opinion

For the whole month of December I started noticing lists online on what you should buy for every person in your life this Christmas — who am I kidding… I started seeing these posts in November. Anyways, it was everything from the what to buy for the “dad who has everything” to the “introvert” to even “How to Give Great Gifts to Your (insert nationality) Friends.”

Lists upon lists, and stuff upon stuff. I ain’t no Scrooge, but lately I’ve found the world to be so materialistic.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m guilty of buying stuff I really don’t need… ie: I own three wine bottle openers, a mixer specifically for milkshakes, and about one too many pairs of shoes.

But, when buying gifts for people this year, I really tried to stay away from the mall — not only for my sanity, but for the memories to be made.

I think back to last month, my birthday month (yes, @ShaunHaney, I celebrate my birthday longer than just one day). I was gifted money, but with a twist. I hinted to my family that I was going to be in Minneapolis for the big day and that I might be able to stay behind to explore the city. I can’t thank my family enough as I was given enough money to go attend my first NBA game and my first NFL game.

Those two experiences were WILD. The fans, the chants, the food, the team spirit, James & Butler, the music, the food, record amount of sacks for the Vikings, the military appreciation, THE FOOD — it was an experience I will never forget and can still go on and on and on about. Because of that, i’m gifting people in my family this year experiences. Sure I could of went on a shopping spree at Mall of America — but things only last so long, memories last forever.

I challenge you to do the same. If you haven’t already bought your special someone something for this year, give them an experience. It can be big or small, for now or for later.

Perhaps it’s tickets to a play, a farm event, or a hockey game. Or you could think outside of the box, maybe you already have tickets to said farm event, go the extra step to create a date night and pull out all the stops, or think of something your kids have always wanted to do and give it a try as a family without checking your smart phone.

Trust me — by giving someone an experience they’ll never forget, they’ll cherish it forever.