Holidays With Heart | CNET Group Perspectives
The “Holiday with Heart” series showcases heartfelt narratives that emphasize the significance of gifts and experiences in fostering connections within families. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, these stories serve as a poignant reminder of how thoughtful presents can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Contributors share personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of gifts, from a Nintendo Switch that bridges the gap of distance to a photo printer that captures cherished moments. Each piece reflects a unique perspective on how these gifts not only serve practical purposes but also evoke emotions and cultivate deeper relationships.
For instance, Hiko Mitsuzuka recounts how digitizing old home movies allowed her to revisit treasured family moments, effectively blending past and present to create new experiences during the holiday season. Similarly, Jonathan Fitzgerald shares how a simple turntable became a catalyst for quality time, turning music listening into a shared family tradition. These stories resonate with anyone who understands that the essence of the holidays lies not in the material value of gifts but in the memories they help create and the connections they reinforce. Whether through innovative gadgets like the Meater Pro thermometer that enhances family feasts or creative tools like the Cricut Explore that unlock new career opportunities, each narrative underscores the idea that the best gifts are those that inspire joy, foster creativity, and bring loved ones together, especially during the festive season.
In a time when the holiday spirit can feel overshadowed by consumerism, “Holiday with Heart” invites readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind their gifts. It encourages a shift from materialism to meaningful connections, reminding us that the most cherished gifts often come from the heart and are imbued with personal significance. As we navigate this holiday season, these stories inspire us to seek out gifts that not only delight but also strengthen our family ties, ensuring that the joy of giving transcends beyond the wrapping paper.
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Holiday with Heart
True stories of the gifts that connect us, inspire us, and stay with us.
Opinions expressed by CNET Group Perspectives contributors are their own, and are separate from Mashable, CNET, and Lifehacker’s editorial teams. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn a commission.
Opening up about playful gifts and the moments that make family life shine.
How digitizing home movies helped me create new family moments from old memories
Commentary: I uploaded my family’s past and downloaded a little holiday magic.
By
Hiko Mitsuzuka
How a turntable changed my family’s relationship to music and quality time
Commentary: Listening to music in the living room helped us learn more about each other—and started a new holiday tradition.
By
Jonathan Fitzgerald
Discover how smart presents and personal experiences spark joy this season.
How a red light mask is helping me heal more than just my skin
Commentary: In the wake of my mother’s death, I’ve leaned further into our shared love of beauty rituals.
By
Deenie Hartzog-Mislock
Why the Meater Pro thermometer is a hit at our family feasts
Commentary: My brother-in-law loves cooking, and I love eating — it’s a win/win gift.
By
John Hoyos
Highlighting innovative gifts and practical ideas that change how we celebrate.
I bought a Nintendo Switch 2 to relive special holiday memories
Commentary: Now that I’m 8,500 miles away from family, online gaming has helped us feel closer.
By
Kimanzi Constable
The best $99 I ever spent was on an impulse-buy photo printer
Commentary: A 20,000-mile trip to see my mom taught me the value of tangible memories in a digital world.
By
Gérman Ceballos
How a creative gift from my parents transformed my career
Commentary: The Cricut Explore smart cutter led to unexpected new opportunities.
By
Sam McPeak
I gifted my mom an apron of her art using Adobe’s AI tools, and here’s how I did it
Commentary: The tools make it easier to print old photos or images on demand.
By
Fei Wu
