Experiences are the Real Gifts
During this hectic month of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up with travel schedules and last-minute gift shopping. We challenge you to take a moment to shift your thinking from your never ending to-do list, and instead focus on the upcoming moments you’ll get to spend with your loved ones.
These experiences are the real gift. You’re crafting memories that you’ll all be able to look back on years later — building connection, fostering empathy, experiencing happiness, and increasing compassion for others.
Along these lines, why not create meaningful family experiences that also give back to those in our community who might be less fortunate? Volunteering not only gives us a sense of purpose but also inspires a belief that we can make a difference in the world. It promotes the feeling of being valuable to others and feeling valued by others. When we volunteer we truly learn what it means to help others, promoting a society that cares and respects others. Helping someone in need puts things into perspective because we begin to realize the things we should be grateful for in our lives...
Not sure where to start? Check out our child-friendly ideas that start with the family and extend to our local Austin community and beyond.
Starting in the family...
Complete someone else’s chore
Give a compliment
Cook breakfast or dinner for a family member
Call an extended family member
Make someone smile
Give a back rub
Keep someone company
Say “thank you”
Do a random act of kindness
Play their favorite game with them
Share your treat
Let them choose a movie to watch
Offer help
Extending into our community...
Donate books to a library
Make holiday cards for soldiers
Donate old toys
Visit a nursing home
Play games with children in the hospital
Make care package
Recycle
Hold the door open for someone
Donate old coats, mittens, and scarves
Let someone cut in line
Encourage someone
Pay it forward
Support local small businesses
Other local organizations that have organized child-friendly volunteer opportunities:
Interested in booking a session with us?
WRITTEN BY JACLYN SEPP, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200 (SHE/HER/HERS)
Jaclyn believes that all human beings, no matter how small, deserve a place to be accepted for who they are, which drove her to establish Ensemble Therapy in 2015 with the mission to bring high quality therapeutic services to children, teens, and their families in Central Austin. Jaclyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ (RPT-S™), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT® 200). She received her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University (CACREP Accredited Program) and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Applied Learning & Development from The University of Texas at Austin.
