As the holiday season approaches, there is a natural invitation to pause, reflect, and consider not only the gifts we give but the intentions behind them. True luxury, after all, is not found in excess but in meaning—the moments, experiences, and treasures that stand the test of time.

For parents, one of the greatest luxuries is time. Childhood, in its purest form, is breathtakingly fleeting. Our little ones are truly “little” for only a handful of years—before technology, peers, and independence inevitably shift their focus.

During those tender seasons, I found myself valuing presence above all else. The gift of myself, my energy, my patience, and my undistracted attention became the most exquisite gift I could offer my son. To sustain that, I learned the importance of rest, accepting help, and of creating margin. For parents in the thick of early childhood, the gift of respite—a beautifully wrapped spa day, a trusted sitter, or even a weekend escape—can be transformative.

Here is a secret worth remembering: document it lavishly. We will take photographs instinctively, but videos capture the essence—the sound of their laughter, the way they move, the sparkle in their eyes. With the cinematic capabilities of today’s phones, there is no excuse not to preserve these treasures. They are the keepsakes that, years later, feel priceless.

This season, I find myself returning to indulgences that are not just luxurious but deeply comforting. At the top of my list: Lola Blankets. Conceived by a mother facing cancer, their mission was to create the softest, most nurturing blanket ever made—and they succeeded. These blankets envelop you in a cocoon of serenity, making them a gift as meaningful as it is sumptuous.

In a world awash with things, the luxury of experience stands apart. What if the gift you gave was not simply wrapped, but lived?

    •    Bespoke Candle-Making at Co Creations Limited – Curate your own fragrance from an exquisite palette of oils, crafting a candle that is as unique as your bond.

    •    Culinary Escapes at Big Jim Farms – From the earthy ritual of green chile harvesting to the artistry of salsa and tamale making, these immersive experiences nourish the palate and the soul.

Shared experiences elevate time together into memory—and memory is the most enduring luxury of all.

Luxury, at its core, is also the absence of burden. In our daily lives, the ability to outsource tasks and reclaim hours is a gift of immeasurable value. Consider offering loved ones the elegance of time well-kept through expert services:

    1.    Medina Landscaping – Crafting outdoor sanctuaries.

    2.    R&J Yard Care Experts – Discreet, meticulous, dependable.

    3.    Mrs. Clean – Housekeeping with polish and precision.

    4.    More Than Organized – Bespoke organization solutions that transform chaos into calm.

To give time back is to give freedom—the ultimate modern indulgence.

Perhaps the most refined gesture of all is learning how your loved ones most deeply feel cherished. Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages remains a timeless guide. While some experience love through thoughtful gifts, others crave words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, or touch. Understanding these nuances allows us to give with precision—and to ensure that what we offer resonates in their heart.

This holiday season, resist the pull of the ordinary. Elevate your giving with intention, artistry, and depth. Choose gifts that speak not only of beauty but of thoughtfulness, experiences that create legacy, and gestures that say, above all: you are loved.

After all, the greatest luxury is not what we own—it is the memories we create and the love we share.

I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite gifts and indulgences as the holidays come around the corner?

Your Neighbor, 

Val Almanzar

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