52 Tips to Say I Love You
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, shop before the stores all close. Yuletide carols sung with those you admire, and gifts wrapped up in pretty bows.— Stephen Arterburn and Carl Dreizler (52 Simple Ways to Say I Love You).”
The holiday season—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—is upon us, and what better time to say “I love you” than during this magical time of year? Beyond the traditional gift-giving, there are countless ways to make your loved ones feel extra special while embracing the spirit of the holidays. Let’s explore some heartfelt gestures and creative ideas that will fill your holiday season with warmth and connection.
Celebrate Your Loved Ones
Here are a few simple ways to make this season meaningful for the people closest to you:
- Take charge of holiday shopping—Promise to do most (or all!) of the gift buying, easing their holiday stress.
- Volunteer as the gift-wrapper—Wrap all the gifts with care (bonus points if you can wrap gifts addressed to you without peeking!).
- Plan a holiday light adventure—Drive around to see dazzling displays in your community. Even better, walk around your neighborhood to enjoy the lights and get to know your neighbors. 🙂 A fun adventure for the kids (and parents) is to check out a local zoo lights event.
- Cook the celebration meal—Take the lead in the kitchen and surprise everyone with a delicious feast.
- Host a festive evening at home—Invite friends or family over to sing carols, watch holiday movies, or play games and share stories of favorite holiday memories.
- Embrace the magic of snow—Build a snowman or have a snowball fight for a playful afternoon together.
- Create cozy moments—Roast chestnuts, pop corn in the fireplace, or sip hot cocoa by the fire.
- Plan a surprise visit—Reconnect with loved ones you haven’t seen in a while to share the joy of the season.
- Holiday Music brings great joy – if your loved one loves music, why not treat them to a local concert or afternoon of orchestral music.
Share the Joy with Others
This season is a wonderful time to extend love beyond your immediate circle. Consider making the holidays brighter for those in need:
- Support a local family—Contact a church or social service organization to adopt a family in need. Provide gifts, holiday meals, or even a tree with ornaments.
- Volunteer at a shelter—Help cook, serve meals, or simply spend time with individuals or families experiencing homelessness.
- Visit seniors—Reach out to local senior housing communities to share stories, sing songs, or bring small gifts to brighten their days. Many of these folks no longer have families living nearby and love meeting new folks.
Show Love to Animals and Nature
For animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the holidays provide a perfect opportunity to give back:
- Volunteer at a pet shelter—Spend time with animals in need of care or donate supplies to support their well-being.
- Donate to wildlife organizations—Help protect local ecosystems and species by contributing to a conservation group.
- Support parks and trails—Donate or volunteer for trail maintenance, sign repairs, or youth nature education programs. Partner with local tree farms to assist families or elderly individuals in finding and cutting their perfect tree.
Honor Our Service Members
Show gratitude to those who serve and protect by spreading holiday cheer to military families and veterans:
- Support military families—Contact family support organizations at nearby bases to see how you can help during the holidays.
- Send care packages overseas—Work with the USO or other groups to send gifts and letters to service members far from home.
- Volunteer with veterans’ organizations—Spend time with veterans in your community or donate to groups that provide holiday support.
Get Creative
The beauty of the holidays is that there’s no limit to the ways you can express love. Here are some questions to inspire even more ideas:
- What are the traditions or activities your loved ones cherish most?
- How can you bring joy to someone who may be feeling lonely or left out this season?
- What talents or resources do you have that could make someone’s holiday brighter?
Let’s use this festive time to share love, kindness, and gratitude—not just with those closest to us, but with everyone we meet. What are some ways you plan to say “I love you” this holiday season?
About Chanelle
Chanelle Carlin has always had a special place in her heart for the holiday season. From twinkling lights to the nostalgic scent of evergreen and spiced cider, she finds joy in the traditions that bring people together. Chanelle believes the holidays are the perfect time to say “I love you” in meaningful ways. Some include thoughtful acts of kindness, shared moments with loved ones, or giving back to the community.
As the founder of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, Chanelle’s love for the season extends to holiday weddings. She treasures the unique magic of winter ceremonies. Love shines brightly against the backdrop of snowy landscapes and cozy celebrations. Her mission is to help couples create intimate, heartfelt moments that reflect their story and values.
This holiday season, embrace the spirit of love, with everyone around you. Discover more ways to celebrate love or reach out to Chanelle to help make your holiday wedding dreams come true.