Honor, Awe and Joy
As I look around this time of year, I can feel both the beauty and the busyness that the holidays bring. I’m personally trying to hold on to the parts that really matter—connection, kindness, and the small moments of celebration—while letting go of what isn’t important. I read a book recently that talks about how people feel special when you create awe and honor in their presence. I love these two simple words. How do we take the time during this busy holiday season to have people feel a sense of awe and honor?
A few years ago, our team came up with one of my favorite ways to create awe and honor for our clients: The Birthday Box. We wanted to remind people that even though we’re not kids anymore, birthdays still deserve some magic. During their birthday week, each client received a special box in the mail. Inside each box was everything you need for a quick, no-fuss party—Happy Birthday plates and napkins, candles, confetti, balloons, several colorful party hats, and a simple note that said, “You deserve to be celebrated this week.”
The following year we did the same for New Year’s Eve: a Party-in-a-Box with streamers, hats, plastic champagne flutes, and noisemakers—just enough to make ringing in the New Year feel special, whether you were heading out to a friend’s party, or staying home in your pajamas.
These simple gifts remind me that hospitality isn’t about extravagance; it’s about thoughtfulness. The best gifts don’t always come with a hefty price tag—but they do come with intention. So, as you head into the season of giving, here are a few meaningful ideas that can bring joy, honor, and awe— without adding stress or overspending:
Simplify the spirit of giving: Instead of buying things for everyone, try gifting shared experiences—like a family cooking night, a pizza and game night, or an invitation for a Valentine Making Party at your house. Give people a reason to get together again after the holidays.
Make it personal: I love gifts that make life easier for the recipient. One of my favorite gifts for any occasion is a box of plain note cars—but take it one step further and include a sheet of stamps and custom return address labels. It’s a small cost, but it makes for something truly useful. This is one gift that creates a sense of awe!
Reimagine what you already have: Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are things you already own. Maybe it’s sharing part of a beloved collection—teacups, Christmas ornaments, old books. What if you decided to do a little decluttering, divided up one of your collections, and gave pieces of it to all your kids or grandkids this year? You could create a sense of honor by including a personal note about why this item matters so much, and why you’d be honored if they accepted it.
Create connection through memories: For an elderly loved one, gift them a digital photo frame—and send the link ahead of time to family and friends so everyone can pre-load pictures and messages into it. By the time your grandparents or parents unwrap it, it’s already filled with love. This is especially meaningful to an elderly person who lives alone, or your college student who’d love to see family photos streamed all day from their dorm room.
Plan future fun: Buy a dozen movie tickets for a local theater and gift them to your family for a January movie night together. It gives everyone something to look forward to once the holiday rush winds down. You could even include a gift card for popcorn.
Don’t forget a gift for the hostess! A no-scent holiday candle, a small box of holiday thank-you cards, or a basket with easy breakfast items for the morning after a holiday party (think muffins, tea, and a handwritten note that says, “Tomorrow’s breakfast is on me”)—these little touches make the host of the event feel seen and cared for. Bringing a gift for the hostess has become a lost art— but you can bring this thoughtful tradition back.
Pass down family favorites: Gather a few cherished recipes from your family archives, handwrite them on recipe cards, and gift them in a small recipe box to your kids or grandkids. It’s a beautiful way to share not just food, but stories and memories. And in your handwriting— which they’ll always remember. Or sort through old photos, label them, and make small collections for your family members. My mom did this for us— she curated little stacks of photos she thought we’d each enjoy having, rather than them sitting in boxes at her house for no one to admire! It was so special!
This year, maybe the most generous thing we can give is simplicity. Not the biggest box, or the fanciest wrapping, but a moment that fills someone’s day with honor, awe, and joy. Because the heart of the holidays—and of true hospitality—is to make others feel like they matter.
This Week’s Cool Ideas & Resources
⭐ Rolling Out the Red Carpet
Want to learn more about how to really honor and awe your guests, your family, or your employees? Read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara — an inspiring reminder that generosity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing things with intention. His stories about transforming small gestures into unforgettable experiences are the perfect inspiration for this season of giving.
🎥 Something to Binge Watch This Holiday Season
Looking for an easy, holiday-themed show to binge this season? Tune into The Great British Baking Show: Holidays (Netflix) It’s lighthearted, festive, and full of creativity. It’s the kind of feel-good viewing that reminds us how joy can come from simple acts like baking for others. And it’s perfect for folks of all ages to enjoy together!
🌿 Too Many Plants Can Cause Stress
When do you know you have too many indoor plants? Well, science now shows that there is an acceptable amount, and then there’s the amount that actually makes people feel uncomfortable. How do you know when you’ve gone overboard with your plants? And did you know that too much greenery can raise stress levels? Read here for some fascinating new research!
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