My wife showed me a viral video of a mum asking her kids what they got for Christmas last year.  

They struggled to remember a single thing. 

She then asked them where they’d been on holiday, and they became much more responsive. 

So, I conducted a similar interview, but on myself as an experiment. 

I tried recalling all the physical gifts my wife had bought me over the years. I remembered a few, sure – we’ve been together a long time – but it was a poor effort. 

Next, I thought about the experiences. Immediately, I was hit with torrent after torrent of cherished memories of all the amazing adventures we had enjoyed together: the holidays, the shows, the dates and the special occasions and events. 

When Things step into the ring to compete with Experiences, it’s not a fair contest. Experiences win by a first-round knockout every time. 

This lesson is serving me well as I go about my Christmas shopping.  

Perhaps it can serve you too.