“ ‘Tis the season to panic about giving the perfect gifts,” that’s how the song goes, right?
Okay seriously, wish-lists are taking shape and the pressure is real to make sure that everyone will love their presents. Truth is, it’s tough to keep track of what everyone wants (or more importantly, what they definitely don’t want!).
Christmas this year feels more pressured than ever. And, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by going from 0 to 100 socially, you’re not alone. We’re here to remind you that there’s no need to catch up with every person you’ve not seen over the past two years. Plan for your nearest and dearest only, and prepare your Covid safety plan in advance.
So, before the anxiety sets in and your list of gifts grows longer, be creative. Remember, a gift doesn’t always have to be wrapped. A study published in The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships suggests that small acts of kindness - not grand overtures - make people feel most loved and supported. Remember, when we make the holidays all about stuff and consumption, we remove opportunities for sincere connection – even though that’s exactly what we crave right now.
Be intentional about your time and energy this festive season and prune your to-do list. Knock down the list of chores to rock bottom necessities. Have delicious cold cuts and healthy salads on Christmas Day, or a truly South African braai! Spending time with family and friends – that’s the true meaning of Christmas.
Rethink gifts, focus on wellness items as stocking stuffers. Need a little inspo? We’ve cut through the Christmas clutter and have come up with a few ideas on how to make it through to January with your wallet and sanity intact.
Ever wished you could have sparkling water on tap? Add a carbonator to someone’s stocking. Or maybe a laptop stand which can tilt until it’s in a comfortable ergonomic position for those still working from home.
We’re thinking consumables such as a good bag of coffee or a beautiful jar of raw honey. Show them you think they’re sweet (sorry, I had to!). You can add it to tea, coffee, or drizzle it over a healthy bowl of oats, or just eat it by the spoonful. Oh, and who doesn’t love a good bottle of wine and delicious dark chocolate?
True, you could add earbuds, headphones, portable speakers, or a portable phone charger as stocking stuffers, but don’t forget socks! Oh yes, they’re making a comeback and can be life changing if you run or walk a lot.
A bird feeder is a gift that everyone loves … especially if “everyone” means birds! Also, a trendy fiddle leaf fig plant is sure to be appreciated. And, for the busy mom, an acrylic calendar board for the kitchen could eliminate runaway sticky notes and to-do lists. Can you really have too many rich creamy body butters and scented candles? Nope!
There is so much pressure during the festive season to buy loved ones the most ideal gifts when all we really need to feel loved is good company and meaningful conversation.
Take care of yourself this festive season.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Source: womanandhomemagazine.co.za, countryliving.co.uk, skillsyouneed.com, christmas.organizedhome.com, marthastewart.com, washingtonpost.com, huffingtonpost.com, attitudemag.com, lifehacker.com, psychcentral.com, prevention.com, cosmopolitan.com, webmd.com, abc.net.au, womansday.com, npr.org, self.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.