I am sure you have all heard of the 5 love languages, but if you have not, here is a quick breeze through. The 5 love languages are specific ways that someone might prefer (even subconsciously) to receive and show love. The possibilities are Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Touch, Quality Time, and lastly, Gift-giving.

Usually, there is one, perhaps two, that speak to us the most in terms of what feels right. Discovering and recognizing your own love language can have great positive effects on all your relationships - not just romantic ones. If you’re curious to find out what your Love Language might be, take the official quiz here: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Here are some general signs that Gifts might be your main love language:

• Collects souvenirs from trips

• Enjoys creating mementos or keepsakes from events 

• Is perfect at picking out gifts for other people

• Can often be very sentimental about items and material possessions

Gifts and gift-giving are particularly important during this time of year, and I thought it would be the ideal opportunity to delve into what it means to show affection, care, and consideration through this love language in particular. Gifts can sometimes be  seen as superficial or materialistic, and a shallow love language. However, what others do not consider is the thought that goes behind those gifts and the significance they can hold for a person. For someone, regardless of their official love language, a gift can be a memento or a tangible reminder of someone's care. 

Here are some ways that you can bring out the love language of gift-giving this season:

1. Make your own

When something is made with care, it shows and can mean much more to someone than something expensive. Get crafty and find your own style of gift-giving. Knit a scarf, make a photo album,  or create self-care kits. The options are endless and a well-thought gift would mean a great deal over something expensive or common.

2. Write a letter

Words have power, use them to make someone feel special this season. Receiving a handwritten letter this day and age is a rare occurrence but that is what makes them so meaningful. A letter is one way to put your emotions into a tangible form and will remind the person how much they mean to you. It might just seem like a piece of paper to you, but to someone else, it could be something that they will read and look back on for years to come. 

3. Remember the little things

Gifts are all about the memory and thought behind them. Take note of a detail someone might have mentioned to you. Like their favorite type of sweets, or a book they wanted to read but haven’t found yet- trust your instincts and get it for them. Nothing shows care and affection like remembering the little things.

Let us all embrace the love language of gift giving this year and remind others just how much they mean to you this holiday.