Give a Memorable Present This Christmas Season

The Christmas season is one of the most important holidays of the year. We look forward to it with anticipation. But for many, specially spouses or companions, it is not be because of the presents they will receive. In fact, over 40 percent of them won't even remember the best Christmas present they will have received. The sad truth is that after spending $100 or $200 dollars in that special gift, we are not making a lasting impression.

Forgettable Christmas Presents

We spend a significant amount of time and money selecting the greatest Christmas present for our wife, husband or partner, just to end up - close to half the time - giving a forgettable present. This is the result of a survey done by Zoomerang, where they found that at least 41 percent of wives, husbands, or companions do not remember the best gift they received last year; and worst yet, more than a third of those surveyed could not remember one single gift they received from their mate.

In spite of technical analysis and number crunching to identify the best and most popular gifts for the holidays every year, we are still not making an enduring impression on the people that matter the most to us. This year again, many consumers will include electronics, gift cards, jewelry and other popular items in their Christmas' list. But close to half the time, their effort and diligence in finding the right gift will not make a difference.

So what actually does make a lasting impression?

According to those surveyed, gifts that we can experience are the most memorable ones; like a special trip to the mountains, buying some special lessons like basic skiing, how to ride a horse, or even just a couple of massage sessions.

Also, among the most memorable presents are those we enjoy along with our family or that make a difference in other people's lives, according to my own modest survey. A friend of mine once planned a secret and special family gathering for his wife. He bought plane tickets for her parents, so they could spend their first Christmas together in ten years. That was five years ago and he says, "I will never, ever forget the look on Linda's eyes that Christmas day."

Another friend of mine donates her own time during the holydays helping out her church deliver food to families in need. On those days, right before Christmas, she likes to invite friends and family members to go along for the ride to the poor neighborhoods. The look of happiness and appreciation of those families, she says, make a lasting impression on her guests from having made a little difference in the life of some people. "It's something of a revelation for some of them," she says.

This Christmas make a lasting impression with some of these tips:

Plan a special family gathering.

Buy some introductory lessons on something your mate will enjoy.

Buy one or two massage therapy sessions or some other similar sessions your other half will enjoy.

Go out and spend some time helping others in your community.

And when all the frenzy and rush of the Christmas holidays have passed, your loved one will still remember the cheer, joy, and surprise of your special Christmas present.