There are enough blog articles, podcasts, etc with holiday gift guides that exalt all the excesses of consumerism. We decided to do a holiday gift guide with a difference that requires little to no money and hopefully allows you to have a merrier Christmas, calmer family time and reach the New Year in a better headspace.

1. Self care - How can you care for yourself in a way that you show up to Christmas, Hannukah, Diwali, whatever you celebrate as your ‘best self’. Can you delegate some jobs to your partner? Can you outsource any job? Can you prepare things little and often? Can you plan for those things that make you feel grounded - walks/baths/naps/time alone?

2. Let go of expectations - I think a lot of stress comes from our high expectations of what ‘should’ be.

3. Non appearance based compliments. want you to know it. Examples:
- You have the best energy
- You’re so much fun to be around
- You’ve really changed my perspective on…
- You have great taste in…
- You have the best sense of humour.
- You're such a good friend/mum/brother.
- I love how passionate you are about _______.
- You're going to make our family / friendship group / the world a better place. 
- You're such a good listener.
- Your optimism is infectious.

4. Conversation starters. e.g.:
- Have you done anything exciting lately?
- How did you meet the host?
- What was the last good book you read?
- Do you listen to any podcasts? Which is your favourite?
- What do you think is the best show on Netflix right now?
- Have you been on any interesting trips lately?
- If you didn’t have the job you have now, what would you be?
- What is the most rewarding part of your career?
- If you could travel back in time, what decade would you choose to live in?
- What’s the best thing you’ve ever bought off Amazon?
- What is one thing you can’t live without?
- What’s the strangest dream you’ve had recently?

5. Values assessment. What are your values going into this festive time? They likely change during the festive period. Would you rather be right or loving?

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Disclaimer: While we’re both behaviour analysts and qualified in our respective fields, this podcast is for education and information sharing only and should not be taken as personal, medical or behavioral advice or services.