It’s that time of year again, when suddenly all the affection you have for your parents is supposed to culminate in one gift. The pressure is high, as we are talking about the people who gave you the gift of life. How could anyone top that? Parents are always the greatest mystery when giving gifts. They make the money, so really they can buy themselves everything they could possibly want during the rest of the year. So, what do you get the Parents Who Buy Themselves Everything this holiday season? The answer is closer to your heart than your wallet.
Donate to a Charity
Everyone wants their child to be kind, and what better way to show them that’s exactly what you are than by helping others during the holidays. Most charities get busier during the winter months, and are in need of more assistance than usual. Donate your money or, better yet, your time to the project of your parent’s choice to give back in their honor this holiday season. Adopt a goat in your mom or dad’s name for Heifer Project, volunteer for Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network or even read to Children’s Hospital patients. There’s no better way to say thank you for all your parents have provided than by making the world a bit better for them.
Spend Time with Them
With all the hustle and bustle of the other eleven months of the year, it is all too easy to take independence to an extreme. If you find that you haven’t stopped to really talk to your parents in a while, now is the perfect time! Usually, all parents really want is to have a nice conversation or two with their child, and keep up with each other’s lives. Take a long hike, go window shopping or go for a drive and enjoy each other’s company.
Help Out Around the House
How often do parents complain about something or another needing to be done? Simplify their lives by taking the load off them for a day or two and giving them the gift of relaxation. Vacuum the living room, take the dog for a walk or clean the kitchen, all without being asked (obviously).
Something Sweet
When the weather is cold and gloomy, it is important that inside the home is the complete opposite. Show off your baking skills by making good use of the oven, and up something they’ll enjoy. Combined with the previous idea, your parents are sure to forget all the not-so-nice things you may have done this year, and give you a fresh start this new year. Try out one of the recipes featured on Culinary Corner, or scour Pinterest for new twists on the holiday classics. After all, you can’t go wrong with baked goods.
A playlist
Bring them back to their younger days with a good, old-fashioned playlist. Picking and choosing songs that you think they would like, songs that remind you of them or songs tied to a memory you share is a great way to show them you put some thought into the gift. Also, if your parents are not the hippest people around, it could be very nice of you to introduce them to the interesting new music of this generation. What could be better to play when all the family comes over, than the perfect mix of Taylor Swift, Adele and Drake?
Show your parents you care this year and get them something unique. With all the craziness of the rest of the year, and the year ahead, it’s important to stop and appreciate all your parents have done for you.
