The holidays changed for me when I stopped equating love with price tags. This shift wasn't just about spending less—it was about focusing on what truly matters in relationships.
From Gifts to Experiences
For years, my instinct was to give expensive gifts: an expensive bottle of wine, the latest gadget, luxury flowers. It felt logical: higher price, more proof I cared.
But these gifts rarely created lasting memories. Flowers wilted, gadgets became outdated, and wines were forgotten. Monetary gifts had become a shortcut—a way to avoid the effort of real connection.
The most meaningful gifts create stories we tell together. A pottery class might lack the wow factor of an expensive watch, but the laughter and memories build a stronger bond than any material item.