Gifting What Matters: Time, Talent & Treasures That Touch the Heart

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 11/17/2025

As the holidays draw near, it’s easy to get swept up in ribbons, receipts, and retail rushes. Yet, behind all the sparkle lies something far more meaningful—the joy of giving what matters most: our time, our talents, and our treasures. This season let’s rediscover the heart of giving by creating moments that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.

The Gift of Talent: Sharing What You Do Best

Your abilities are one-of-a-kind—sharing them can be one of the most heartfelt gifts of all. A homemade candle, a painted ornament, or a knitted scarf is lovely, but talent extends far beyond the craft table. It’s your unique way of blessing others with what comes naturally to you.

For Creatives:

• Offer a mini workshop for friends or family—teach calligraphy, photography, or cookie decorating.
• Record a song or poem for someone special or perform at a holiday gathering.

For Professionals:

• A financial analyst might offer a complimentary budgeting session for a recent graduate.
• An attorney could provide a free half-hour consultation to someone starting a small business.
• A recruiter could review a résumé or LinkedIn profile for a job seeker.
• A teacher might tutor a neighbor’s child or help someone learn a new skill online.

These small acts of generosity allow you to use your professional or personal gifts in ways that ripple outward—empowering others while reminding you just how valuable your experience truly is.

Resource: Skillshare and YouTube Learning can spark creative ideas for how to share your talents.

The Gift of Time: Moments Over Merchandise

When we look back years from now, we often remember who we were with—not what we got. Offering the gift of time might mean hosting a simple gathering, going on a walk, or setting aside a day to be fully present with loved ones.

Top Idea: Holiday Game or Movie Night

1. Choose games or films that span generations—think “Apples to Apples,” “APPLES TO APPLES: BIBLE EDITION,” “The Hygge Game,” or a marathon of classic holiday favorites.
2. Add a touch of warmth with a hot cocoa bar or popcorn buffet.
3. Encourage “unplugged” hours—phones down, laughter up.

You’ll give the rarest gift of all—attention without distraction.
Resource: How to Host a Game Night

The Gift of Treasures: Memory Over Material

A thoughtful keepsake can outshine anything you’ll find on a shelf. This year, consider giving treasures that tell a story.

Top Idea: The Memory Scrapbook or Jar

• Gather photos, mementos, and notes from meaningful moments.
• Include “gratitude slips” from friends and family—tiny reminders of love and appreciation.
• Package it beautifully and add a personal message about why those memories matter.

Even a simple framed quote, poem, or song lyrics can become a cherished treasure when it reflects shared history.
Resource: Scrapbook.com offers creative layouts and tools for preserving memories beautifully.

The Gift of Service: Giving Together

Volunteering as a family—or even as a workplace group—is one of the most powerful ways to give time, talent, and treasure all at once. It builds gratitude, compassion, and memories that last far longer than the season.

1. Choose a Cause that reflects shared values—supporting a food pantry, youth program, or senior center.
2. Schedule a Day of Service that everyone can join, whether it’s wrapping gifts for families in need, serving at a shelter, or visiting with seniors.
3. Add a Sweet Finish: After volunteering, gather for dessert and hot cocoa at home. Take turns sharing what touched your heart most about the day. Reflection nourishes the spirit—and the snacks make it feel like a celebration of giving.
4. Make It an Annual Tradition. Serving together plants seeds of compassion that grow year after year.

Resource: Volunteer Match helps connect you with local opportunities.

Making This Season Truly Merry

When we pause to give of ourselves—our wisdom, creativity, time, and love—we lift the spirit of the season and remind others (and ourselves) what truly matters. Every thoughtful gesture, no matter how small, becomes a spark of joy that carries light into the new year.

“True gifts don’t come from stores -
they come from hearts willing to give what cannot be bought.”
~ Sandi MacCalla, LifeSkills Academy

Wishing you a season filled with creativity, connection, and compassion.

Merry Christmas—and may your gifts matter more this year than ever.

LifeSkills Academy features online classes in Etiquette/Social Intelligence, Financial Skills, and Adulting. Educators are business professionals who have proven success in the world of commerce. Sign Up to receive class details, blogs, and useful life skills tips.