Intentional Shopping, Decorating & Celebrating
The reason I am writing this blog about the festive season relatively late in the year is that I don't enjoy the hustle in the pre-season anymore. Some people might like the end-of the year rush. If you are not one of them and if you want to invite calm, joy and peace into your life, then this little piece might be worthwile reading for you. This post is for people who are going to celebrate Hanukkah, Rohatsu, Solstice, Christmas or New Years in December and for people who love giving presents to the ones they love.
Part 1 — Shopping
Rather than buying stuff so you have presents you can give to people whom you think you should be gifting something to I would like to suggest a different approach. Here it comes … Find a little time, peace and quiet some time before December. Then make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, sit down with a candle and breath. Enjoy this calm moment.
Think back about the year, the moments you shared with others and the people in your life whom you love. Imagine one person at a time. What do they mean to you and what would you really like to give them as a present? Do they maybe actually need something? You can also write a nice card asking them for their wishes if you are unsure. With this in mind you can intentionally choose a present that comes from your heart and enriches the person`s life (instead of cluttering it).
I also find it very nice to gift high-quality products from the food or beauty compartment. Many people don't buy these things for themselves. This way we show them how valuable they are and how much we cherish them. Also, these presents will be used regularly and not sit on a shelf, collecting dust.
If you are really good in certain areas like baking, knitting, photography, writing, music, woodwork or other fields, you can make something personal yourself for the people you love. Some inspiration could be a basket with your favourite recipe and the ingredients for it inside, a cookbook written in a beautiful notebook, chili oil, good old knitted socks (the older you are the more you appreciate these!), home-made peeling scrub, a poem or a short story written on exquisite paper, a photograph that entails something the receiving person loves, a little song … the possibilies are many!
A big one on the list for favourite presents is always a giftcard for an event like a concert, an exhibition, a play or something special both of you love like a visit to a treasured restaurant. It can also be something like a surprise outing where you pack some great snacks and go on a hike in a beautiful area. You can also gift a loved person your time and support them with something they need or want (like babysitting, tidying, cleaning, redecorating or cooking for example).
Money is also something I think can be given as a present. If someone doesn`t need any specific things and states this clearly when asked for their wishes, money is a great present. They can use it later for something they need or save it up. Also, some people are very mindful about the belongings in their home. Giving them money instead of unwanted things shows respect and appreciation for their lifestyle.
These lovely gifts can be wrapped in a unique piece of cloth, put in a selfmade envelope or filled into a vintage glass bottle from a thrift shop. This way it is sustainable, beautiful and truly a one-of-a-kind special gift.
What is also very useful is making a wish-list during the year. Once you notice somebody is missing something or voicing a wish you write it down. You can go ahead and buy the item without stress anytime before the festivities and are all set for the celebration and gift exchange. Or you make it fresh in December if it is a home-made gift.
I hope you enjoyed this little blog post, part 1 „Shopping“. These inputs are sustainable and for all budgets. Because I believe the most important thing, when you give someone a present is, that it comes from the heart, is appreciated and doesn`t need to be expensive in financial terms. There are so many ways in which we can show our love.
I wish you a joyful beginning of December, Gesa
⇒ Part 2 „Decorating“ & Part 3 „Celebrating“ will follow on December 6th and 13th 2025.