Life coach M.J. Ryan reveals how you can shares her tips for creative gift-giving this season.

Last year, as part of my quest for a more authentic Christmas giving experience, my loved ones and I decided to give one another only presents of time, energy, or creativity.

I taught Angie how to cook risotto, Dave took Don skiing for the first time, Andy did a workout session with Ana, Don helped Andy build a closet. It was wonderful. Each of us gave from our knowledge and talents and, in return, received skills and experiences. To me, it epitomized the best kind of generosity—giving of the self.

I’m not suggesting that you quit doing what you enjoy about holiday gift-giving, rather that you consciously choose to give in a way that truly comes from your heart and notice what effect it has on you. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The only gift is a portion of thyself … the poet brings his poem; the shepherd, his lamb … the girl, a handkerchief of her own sewing.”