My sister has always been one of those people who shops ahead for the holidays.  She somehow manages to have everyone’s gift bought and wrapped before I’ve barely managed to register that it’s December, and this year is no different than any other year.  So, with two days to go before Christmas, my shopping is still not done.  But thankfully, my brilliant friend Jyn once shared an idea for the perfect “Love Gift”…one we can give any day of the year!   

When Jyn’s step mother, Jody, was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago, Jyn wanted to send Jody something to encourage her and also show her how grateful she was for all the times Jody had supported her.  Jyn couldn’t think of anything she and her husband, Steve, could buy to show Jody how much she meant to them, so she decided to fill a small photo album with encouraging words and pictures from family and friends so Jody would have something to look through whenever she needed a boost (and especially when those chemo days were particularly rough).  Jyn’s “Love Gift” (as Jody later called it) is something a fully-recovered Jody still treasures and looks through today!

Helen Keller made one of the greatest observations ever when she said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”  Whether you have time to get a bunch of cards and pictures from other people, or you make an album for a loved one that contains great stuff all from you, you can do so anytime, in any way, and without any budget constraints.  You can also do so without needing a reason, diagnosis, or holiday.