As the Turkey leftovers dwindle and we round the corner in to December it's time to start thinking about shopping for all your peeps near and far. If you are anything like me you said you would start earlier this year, right?
"I am TOTALLY getting ahead of it this year."
Ummmmm nope. Did I say that?
Fast forward to current state:
You did some panic shopping on Black Friday weekend and scored a few things and got a short term high... I got this!
You are begging for lists from the kids and anyone else who will listen.
You are asking your other half, "What the hell do we get your parents this year?"
You realize the kids are getting too old, they don't do lists anymore, uggghhhh. They just ask for really expensive stuff you don't want to buy. BUT - you can't think of anything else to buy? Do I just buy it? AMMA RIGHT?
You decide there is NO way you can do Christmas cards this year.
You question why you still exchange with certain members of extended family.
The list goes on.....
It's ok. Take a moment to pause, a few deep breaths. Here's the deal. We just exited Thanksgiving which is a perfect time to get some perspective and remind yourself of all you have to be grateful for. REMIND YOURSELF AGAIN. Find your inner Thanksgiving.
You..... enjoying time with family and friends, eating good food, drinking good wine, playing games. You know, the holiday that has ZERO pressure to buy the best gift for those very people you are grateful for?
Hold on to that feeling and take it with you through the month of December. Have intent. The intent to enjoy the experience and say NO when it's too much or it really doesn't matter. My motto - if I DON'T DO THIS will the world come to an end?
If the answer is NO then hit DELETE.
Take each day at a time and enjoy the "sleigh" ride this holiday season.
Here are some suggestions to inspire you.
SHOP LOCAL. Grab a friend and hit your local shops, make a trip of it - go to lunch. Have no expectations. You never know what you might find and that includes a glass of Prosecco with lunch!
Ask for a some alone time, make a tea, pour a glass of wine, crank up some Christmas tunes and hit your favorite sites. Support your faves and stop by places like ETSY that support small business.
Don't beat yourself up for purchasing on AMAZON. I support local whenever possible but there are just some things that you can't buy locally and personally I avoid the mall at all costs. You are a mall person? GO! No guilt.
Take part in the act of giving to someone in need. Nothing gives me the warm fuzzy more than a random act of kindness. Big or small, it will make you feel better and make the world a better place.
Last but not least.... if you happen to live where I do. PLEASE take a trip to downtown Wake Forest where quaint meets cool and stop by Connecting the Dots at The Cotton Company and consider any of these amazing gifts. These booth "faves" from small businesses deserve our support for inspiring us all and creating some kick ass products. All of these make great stocking stuffers!
Award winning, all natural hand crafted HOT Sauces, BBQ Sauce, and Rubs by Rising Smoke Sauceworks
100% soy wax candles hand-poured in small batches with love! Also made with phthalate-free fragrances, lead-free and zinc-free wicks by Light is Love
"Temperfect" travel coffee mugs by Joeveo
Gorgeous handmade wood, leather, and macrame earrings by Airyelle Designs
All natural handcrafted bath products (bath salts, sugar scrubs, lotions, soaps, lip balms) by Hummingbird Naturals
Organic, Fair Trade and Shade-Grown coffee by Larry's Coffee
All natural dog treats and bones (and the infamous "Kitty Crack") by Veronica's Doggie Delights
Sunglasses handmade from 100% real walnut, bamboo and rosewood by WearWood
Soy wax crayons in the perfect shape and size for young children to use by Crayon Rocks
Grass fed beef sticks by Landcrafted Food
Plant based natural mosquito repellent products by Murphy's Naturals
Wishing you all a season of love, kindness and gratitude...... and laughter, LOTS of laughter!
Thanks Jennie! Well put--no one needs stress this time of year. Another option between shopping local stores and buying on Amazon: buy directly from small businesses through their online shops. Many of them aren't on Amazon, and all of them appreciate not giving 25% of the sale price to Amazon! (dean @Joeveo)