CARE FOR CREATION
December 17, 2023
Giving an Experience
Our gift-giving traditions often entail the exchange of unwanted stuff from well-meaning people. Much of it will quickly come to rest in a landfill, along with the packaging it came in. Recent research suggests that people get more satisfaction and longer-lasting pleasant memories by giving or sharing experiences rather than material objects. Instead of contributing to clutter and adding waste, consider gifting a break from daily routine such as a nice restaurant meal or museum experience. How about tickets to a concert, movie theatre, theatrical, or sporting event? Consider a gift of family fun at a local trampoline park, bowling alley, rock climbing gym, or laser tag center. If nature is more their speed, consider a National Parks Annual Pass, a river cruise, or a nature hike. It will be even better if you can join your loved one for the experience.
Part of the appeal of a gift experience is that it prompts us to think about the person we wish to treat, what are their interests, or what activities might be new for them? What would we love to do together with them?
Giving an experience can be simple and inexpensive, and something that can create treasured memories. An outing to the ice cream shop or bookstore using the city bus with a grandchild who perhaps has not traveled by bus can be an adventure, or how about taking the metro to an art gallery or national monument in DC? A train ride for a visit with a friend is another idea, Baltimore is a short train ride away and offers many interesting diversions around the Inner Harbor.
The gift of an experience is really the gift of time and time is a wonderful way to show someone that we love them. While doing this, we can extend that love to all people and all creation by choosing experiences that show our care for all of creation. Opportunities are endless! Have a wonderful gift giving season!
December 17, 2023
Giving an Experience
Our gift-giving traditions often entail the exchange of unwanted stuff from well-meaning people. Much of it will quickly come to rest in a landfill, along with the packaging it came in. Recent research suggests that people get more satisfaction and longer-lasting pleasant memories by giving or sharing experiences rather than material objects. Instead of contributing to clutter and adding waste, consider gifting a break from daily routine such as a nice restaurant meal or museum experience. How about tickets to a concert, movie theatre, theatrical, or sporting event? Consider a gift of family fun at a local trampoline park, bowling alley, rock climbing gym, or laser tag center. If nature is more their speed, consider a National Parks Annual Pass, a river cruise, or a nature hike. It will be even better if you can join your loved one for the experience.
Part of the appeal of a gift experience is that it prompts us to think about the person we wish to treat, what are their interests, or what activities might be new for them? What would we love to do together with them?
Giving an experience can be simple and inexpensive, and something that can create treasured memories. An outing to the ice cream shop or bookstore using the city bus with a grandchild who perhaps has not traveled by bus can be an adventure, or how about taking the metro to an art gallery or national monument in DC? A train ride for a visit with a friend is another idea, Baltimore is a short train ride away and offers many interesting diversions around the Inner Harbor.
The gift of an experience is really the gift of time and time is a wonderful way to show someone that we love them. While doing this, we can extend that love to all people and all creation by choosing experiences that show our care for all of creation. Opportunities are endless! Have a wonderful gift giving season!