The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Holiday Survival Guide II: Perfect Gifts and Fighting Fatigue (with Rainn Wilson)
33 snips
Dec 15, 2025 
Join Rainn Wilson, actor from The Office and host of the Soul Boom podcast, as he shares his insights on holiday stress and the significance of meaningful traditions. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful gifts—favoring experiences and connection over consumerism. Rainn tackles workaholism and suggests setting boundaries by limiting phone usage to enhance presence. With a focus on gratitude and creating rituals, he invites listeners to cultivate awe through nature, ensuring a more fulfilling and joyful holiday season.
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Choose Presence Over Presents
- Prioritize presence and shared experiences over costly gadgets when gift giving.
- Give framed photos or handmade gifts to create connection without breaking the bank.
Adapt Traditions To Your Budget
- If finances are tight, cancel or adapt plans and communicate boundaries to family.
- Create low-cost rituals like Zoom gatherings, no-presents rules, or handmade swaps to preserve connection.
Rainn's Re‑Gift Closet
- Rainn Wilson shares a re-gifting story and proudly defends re-gifting as practical.
- He keeps a stash of gifted items to reuse when visiting friends, embracing regifting openly.
