The correlation between present and gift should come as no surprise; the best gift you can give this holiday season is—quite simply—your presence. When we live in the now, offering our undivided attention to loved ones, engaging with the natural beauty of our surroundings, we truly live. As the holidays grow increasingly materialistic, it becomes more and more important to slow down and rediscover the innate spirit of the season.

Luckily, in a place such as Summit Creek, one’s presence comes naturally. Secluded from the bustle below, enveloped by the majesty of the Wasatch Range, Summit Creek affords residents an inherently genuine existence. So, with Christmas and New Years just around the corner, give the gift of being—with all 5 senses. Taste, see, touch, smell, hear. Experience life as is. Opening a gift provides transient joy, but the reward of living in the moment is eternal.

Head Outdoors

Here, the simplicity of being originates outdoors. Meander Summit Creek’s trails via foot or snowshoe, listen to the subtle crunch beneath your feet, the gentle breeze amongst the trees. Whether you wish to begin a new tradition on Christmas Eve or the morning of, get the family outside with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, take a walk amongst the backcountry, sled just beyond your backdoor. There’s no better way to start or end the day than with a breath of fresh air and positive intent.

Unplug

While unplugging from the outside world isn’t a realistic year-round goal, much to our dismay, the holidays present the perfect time to do so. In fact, one could say that life at Summit Creek proffers a rather unplugged existence. So, as the holidays near, store away your computers, turn off your phones and delight in each other’s presence. Enjoy moments both big and small, loud and silent. Whether you and the family choose to play a board game indoors or engage in a snowball fight outside, you’ll find that each unplugged experience holds tremendous, memory-making weight.

Express Gratitude

It’s so easy to go about our lives without verbally expressing thanks. We type it via text or email, and we believe that to be wholly sufficient. But, you’ll find that when you tell the ones you love that you love them, your spoken word echoes, reverberates and sits with each person in the room—regardless of age. So, whether you’re sitting around the dining table or making s’mores around the fire pit, voice your gratitude. Tell those important to you how important they really are. Make it known that—right here, right now—you are living and loving with all that you are.

On behalf of all of us at Summit Creek, we hope you have a truly present holiday season with the ones you love.