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On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…12 Drummers Drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten Lords-a-Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing, Eight Maids-a-Milking, Seven Swans-a-Swimming, Six Geese-a-laying, Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves and A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

We all search for that “oh so perfect” gift, stressing over whether or not they’ll like it, spending countless hours and dollars trying to show how much you love them.

Holiday season is a time of giving, giving to and of yourself. Maybe we can’t give you 12 drummers drumming on day 12 of the 12 days of Christmas, but we can all give a far greater gift… one we already possess. No need to run around searching every shop or website for that one perfect gift. You know, the one you think says it all….

As you gather this holiday season with those you love and choose to spend time with, give them the greatest give of all…your undivided attention. Ignore the device, put down the remote, close that book and give them you.

Have a wonderful conversation with one another, communicate, hug, laugh and love, that’s all we really want. Make a point this Christmas season, whether with family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers, to give the gift of you.

Downtown has come up with a few simple ways for you to give the gift of attention this holiday season:

Give of your time: Ask people what you can do to help. It could be something they’ve been struggling with, or maybe just help with some chores. You may not think it’s important, but to them it may be the one thing they need, but feel uncomfortable asking for.

Truly pay attention: Listen and respond with interest. Focus solely on them, look at them like you’ve never seen them before. Ask a lot of questions, engage them in a good, solid conversation.

 

Put all the devices down and turn off the TV: Put aside time to make and accept calls when you’re not with family and friends. The greatest advantage of TV nowadays is the ability to watch any program, game or movie at our leisure. Don’t let calls, texts and TV take away the quality time you should be spending with those you love.

Include the children and pets: Show them that family and friends mean more than any outside influence.

Be grateful: Many people do not have family or friends to spend the holidays with… they may be estranged from those who mean the most to them.

Help someone who really needs it: It doesn’t have to be financial help — it can be a simple gesture, a kind word, or an invitation.

Volunteer: There are so many opportunities to give of yourself and of your family and friends. Make a new annual tradition this year before you celebrate… volunteer!

On day 12 of the 12 days of Christmas, Downtown wishes you the most joyous, safest and happiest of holidays, and we thank you for taking the time to read our content, pick up our magazine and support our brand!

Merry Christmas!

Downtown Magazine