Christmas Gifts That Cost Nothing but Mean Everything: Stories from the Season of Giving

    Hours to go before Christmas - the day that sparked the season of giving. With the holiday just around the corner, I asked a few friends a simple but meaningful question: 

What gifts are you willing to give this Christmas that costs you nothing (no money involved) but of great value? 

 and here are their answers.

1. Presence as Service

    RFF Atelier was quick to answer presence through service - simple acts like washing dishes for people who may need it. Her response was rooted in gratitude: being thankful for the things she is still capable of doing.

    Alex shared an honest testimony. She openly admitted that she dislikes cooking and household chores. But because her family requested - and because doing so would spare her mother from stress and exhaustion - she chose to offer her service anyway.

    Manilenastyle, on the other hand, offered a reality-check on presence. She shared how it is often postponed because of workload, only to be regretted later when meaningful time with loved ones is lost. Showing up can be deeply impactful for those people who need and deserve that kind of energy.

2. Listening, Understanding, and Holding Space

    EnP Al offered a listening ear without judgement, acknowledging that mental health is real and that not everyone experiences a "merry" Christmas.

    Business owner Wynona believes that being heard is one of the best feelings. She prefers to listen to how her friend's year truly went and applauds their efforts rather than their outcomes.

    Zymer gave a simple yet powerful answer - asking sincere questions like "kumusta" (which can mean how are you, how's it going, or how are you holding up).

3. Quiet Strength: Love, Understanding, and Compassion

    EnP Merlina named love as the greatest gift that she can give to her family and close friends, along with understanding towards everyone she interacts with. She emphasized empathy - seeing situations through another person's perspective, emotions, and reasons.

    EnP Jen shared that showing up to friends struggling with mental health, even in silence, can make things a little lighter and more bearable. She added that offering genuine smiles - even to strangers - can be quietly contagious.

    Taiwan-based Gontan chose to give prayers for others, even without them knowing.

4. Guidance, Confidence, and Wisdom

    Lovethejuice spoke about helping people find confidence through advice and by sharing lessons she gained over years of learning and unlearning.

    Tiffany of House of Verde Klik offered wisdom and guidance for as long as she is able. Drawing from her own experiences, she gives advice and perspective to help point people toward a direction that may guide them forward.

5. Gratitude, Care, and Choosing Softness

    Deng chose gratitude for parents, friends, mentors, and even bashers.

    Wynona shared her desire to ease her mother's burden as an act of love.

    Arch. Pompy, despite recent major surgery, chose cheerfulness and gratitude so her loved ones could feel happy and optimistic this Christmas.

    Singer Songwriter Keane Andeza offered withdrawal as a gift - stepping away from attachments that may become unhealthy, and choosing solitude as a path toward inner peace, self-acceptance, and mindfulness.

    Reading all these responses, if you will be asked with the same question - What gifts are you willing to give this Christmas that costs you nothing (no money involved) but of great value? - what would your answers be?

    May this article give you ideas on things you may intentionally give this Christmas. After all, some of the most valuable gifts in this world don't have price tags. Merry Christmas, everyone!