Give the Gift of Being Heard: Holiday Listening Appointments

The holidays bring reflection, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for those who have been by our side. For many, it’s also a time to pause, regroup, and recharge before the new year begins. This holiday season, one of the most meaningful gifts you can give—to yourself or to others—is the gift of being heard.

One HOLD client, a driven entrepreneur, had been wrestling with a promising idea she’d dreamed up but couldn’t quite see the path forward. Complexity and competing demands blurred her next steps, and the more she thought about it, the more overwhelmed she felt. But after a listening appointment, something shifted. Having a space to talk through her thoughts without interruption, advice, or expectations helped her release the tangled issues holding her back. She walked away clear-minded and energized, with a renewed sense of direction.

For professionals navigating high-stakes decisions, complex challenges, or simply the daily pressures of work, a confidential space to be heard can provide immense relief and clarity. This year-end, a listening appointment offers a unique way to step back, reflect, and find fresh energy for the new year. It’s a chance to decompress, release stress, and regain focus—a true gift for yourself or a colleague.

But this gift isn’t just for those in business. We all know someone in our lives who could use a space to unwind and share their thoughts. A listening appointment offers a moment just for them—a place to be truly heard without any expectation, advice, or judgment. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or someone facing a new life chapter, this gift brings meaningful relief and connection to anyone who could use a compassionate ear.

Another client, who happens to be in the teaching profession said, "Wow! I did not expect the sense of relief to be so immediate and tangible! Thank you."

Having a space to release the anxiety and tension and feel heard can be truly transformative. Listening appointments offer the chance to let go of stress and leave feeling lighter, calmer, and clear-headed. Imagine the impact of that kind of relief for someone who spends every day supporting others. A safe space to reset and find clarity can make all the difference in their well-being.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s worth considering the unique ways we can support the people who mean so much to us.

Why Gift a Listening Appointment?

The simple act of listening can feel rare. A listening appointment is a gift of presence—a dedicated, judgment-free space where anyone can express themselves freely. It’s an opportunity to relieve the mental and emotional load, find clarity, and build resilience.

For business professionals, it’s a way to refocus and find renewed motivation. For those close to us, it’s a chance to feel seen and heard during what can be a busy and sometimes stressful season. Whether for colleagues, family, or friends, a listening appointment offers a moment of peace, self-reflection, and renewal.  Advice is never given unless it is specifically requested.

What to Say When Gifting a Listening Appointment

Here are a few suggestions on how you can make this gift personal and meaningful for different people in your life:

• For Colleagues and Team Members: “I’ve seen how hard you work, and I want you to have a moment just for yourself. This gift certificate is for a listening appointment—a space where you can relax, express yourself, and know someone is there just to listen, without offering advice or direction.”
• For Leaders and Managers: “You lead with such dedication, and I know how much responsibility you carry. This gift is a listening appointment—a chance to step away, reflect, and have someone listen to what’s on your mind. It’s a moment for you, with no need for solutions or answers.”
• For Friends and Family Members: “You mean so much to me, and while I’m always here for you, I also want you to have someone outside your circle who can listen without offering advice or expectations. This gift is for you to share anything you need to, knowing someone is there just to hear you.”
  Or: “There’s so much you take on, and I want you to have a space that’s just for you. This gift is a listening appointment—somewhere you can express yourself fully, with someone ready to listen and support.”
• For Someone Very Close to You: “You mean so much to me, and while I’m always here for you, I also want you to have someone completely outside your circle who can listen without any expectations. That’s why I’m giving you this gift certificate—to show you I care about your peace of mind.”
  Or: “I know there are times when it’s hard to share everything, even with those closest to you. That’s why I want you to have someone who’s just there to listen, just for you.”
• For Teachers: “Because you spend your days listening, guiding, and supporting others, I want to offer you a moment just for you. Here’s a gift certificate to a listening service where you can express anything, unwind, and feel heard.”
  Or: “You’re there for so many, and it’s your turn to be heard. This gift is a chance to let it all out, with someone ready to listen to you for a change.” (This is my FAV!)
• For New Parents: “I know there’s so much you carry in this new journey, and while I’m always here, I want you to have a place just for you to feel seen and supported. Here’s a gift to share anything on your mind, no judgment, just listening.”
  Or: “With all that’s new and overwhelming, I wanted to give you the gift of someone who can listen without a word of advice—just understanding and support.”
• For College Students: “As you tackle everything college throws at you, I want you to have someone outside of it all to talk to. This gift is a place to say anything on your mind, completely free from judgment.”
  Or: “You’ve got so much going on, and sometimes you need someone who’s just there to listen. Here’s a gift for those times when you need to talk it out, on your terms.”
• For Someone Facing a Big Life Decision: “I know this decision weighs heavily, and while I’m here for you, I also want you to have a space that’s just yours to sort through it all. This gift offers someone to truly listen, without judgment, as you find your path.”
  Or: “When life hands us big decisions, it helps to have a safe space to think out loud. Here’s a gift certificate for a listening ear, so you can talk through your thoughts and feel supported as you make this choice.”

If you’re gifting this to someone and want a custom message, email [email protected] for assistance in crafting something meaningful.

Holiday Offer: 20% Off All Gift Certificates

This holiday season, give the gift of connection, clarity, and renewal with a listening appointment. As a special bonus, enjoy 20% off all gift certificates with code HOLIDAY24. Offer expires 12-31-24.

Whether for a friend, family member, or colleague, a listening appointment is a gift that provides relief and brings peace of mind during the holidays. Give the people in your life the chance to feel heard and supported this season—it’s a gesture that lasts beyond the holidays and creates lasting, positive change.