It’s the season of giving. We’re surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and (if we’re lucky) a nice warm drink and fresh-baked cookies. This time of year is unlike any other. It’s easy, however, to get wrapped up in all there is to do and lose sight of the people who live outside your personal bubble. Sure, it might seem a little strange to talk about holiday giving and real estate investment. As investors, however, we’re in a unique and ideal position to give back.

Books are among our favorite things at Memphis Invest. We have an ever-growing list of resources that we love to recommend not only to our investors but to one another in the office. Continuing to enrich and grow in the knowledge of finance and investing is so key to your success as a turnkey real estate investor.

The holidays are great. It’s the time of year where we cozy up, break out the cocoa, and spend time with friends, family, and plenty of good food. As real estate investors, however, we tend to neglect one important thing about the holiday season: it’s a great time to get ahead. The fourth quarter of any year tends to drag when it comes to real estate.

With Thanksgiving behind us, we’re knee-deep into the holiday season. Christmas trees are going up, carols are on the radio, and it’s hard to escape the lure of cookies, candy canes, and homemade goodies. This is the time of year when most real estate investors are tempted to coast into the New Year.

That said, this time of year is also full of untapped opportunity. You don’t need to hold off until the New Year to be productive! For engaged, motivated investors, the holidays aren’t a time to put your investing career on hold.

It’s hard not to feel the holiday spirit this time of year. No matter what holiday you celebrate, there’s something undeniably different about this season. It can be stressful, sure, but it’s hard not to love warm feelings and those little extra acts of kindness. We have the nostalgia of Christmas music on the radio, festive decorations and the joy in buying presents for loved ones.

For real estate investors, the holidays are a great time to slow down and reflect on the year. What are you thankful for? Who are you are thankful for? Remember to show gratitude to those who have made your 2015 a good year.