It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over with only two months to go. The frenzy has already begun, as shoppers are tuned in and listening to media predictions about the shortage of merchandise that may not be found on store shelves.
There certainly is cause for concern, with increased prices and supply chain disruption, but not the kind of concern that is life threatening. I mean really? If we learned anything over this last two years, it was to be resilient. We learned to live with less and we accepted our circumstances for what they were.
But this is my question: Do people really want gifts? Or do you think they’d be happier with experiences this Christmas? I know the trend towards gift giving in my family is focused solely on the children this year. As adults, do we really need more things to dust or exchange?
“While many in the event industry are boasting great sales and recovery, there is a larger segment of people who have not been as fortunate.”
At the heart of this holiday season is recovery for many families. While many in the event industry are boasting great sales and recovery, there is a larger segment of people who have not been as fortunate and who need help just to put food on their tables and gifts under their trees for their children.
Think about all of the people in hospitality, as an example, who were unable to run their businesses for close to two years. Venues were shut down as no one was producing live events. Vendors of all sorts lost their livelihoods, which had supported them for years. Airlines and airport staff were out of work for a long time creating an even bigger problem for Uber and taxi drivers and transportation companies. And for the first time in history, food lines are much longer, families are desperate and people are barely keeping their heads above water.
So, while we continue to talk about all of the new ideas, technology and advances in the event industry, there is a huge part of our own community who continue to suffer.
“As a human-centric generation hungry for experiences, it is our responsibility to give back in ways we may never have before.”
No one can save the world, but even taking on one family can make them feel loved and cared for. As a human-centric generation hungry for experiences, it is our responsibility to give back in ways we may never have before. There is nothing better than seeing the smile on someone’s face when you have done something unexpected and mindful.
Each and every one of us coming together as a community of like-minded individuals can impact a lot of change. So, this season, be a changemaker, an innovator, a thought leader, a caring soul and experience the heartfelt joy that can overwhelm you by showing your support, be it big or small, for someone else.
We all need to hear the stories that are told about the differences that you made in another person’s life—the laughter, the positive vibes that you spread by donating your time, getting your own family on board with giving to another family. Our old normal tended to be inwards and now the new normal is outwards. Make a pledge to yourself this year that you will help someone who is not part of your family but who will be grateful for your support.
Pay it forward.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
