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.

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.

Part 2: Decorating

Our home is our sanctuary. Now that the cold and dark is a big part of our lives in the Northern hemisphere, we make it even cozier and more comfy in our room(s). Many festivities are in December so we combine bringing the light and warmth into our homes with festive decorating.

Celebrating a festivity, no matter your spiritual, religious or cultural background, serve the traditions. It strenghtens our sense of belonging, deeper meaning & joy. With intentional decorating we honour this. We celebrate our life, our family & friends. We make the traditions our own with our own personal style and way of being. Also, we have a lot of fun before the actual day of the celebration if we start decorating some time early in the month. Pleasant anticipation is a great delight in my opinion.

With decorating the questions are always the same. What atmosphere do you want to create? Leaning into the KonMari Method® you can envision your ideal lifestyle. Take your time with this, close your eyes and breath. An image will emerge. Furthermore, what colours are you drawn to? Are those more traditional like red/green/white/gold for Christmas for example or more modern like blue/silver? What look gives you a joyful feeling? It might be the opulent one or the minimalistic one, the funky or the countrystyle one. Dive into this like there are no limits and see what brings you joy, what makes your heart jump.

From here you go on to check the decorative items you own. In the best case they are already sorted. If not you can do this now. Take all of them out and see if you connect to them. If they speak to your heart. What value do they have for you, and your family? One by one you joy-check them. According to your ideal lifestyle which you established before, you use the ones that fit your current image and you store the rest. If an item doesn`t align with you at all anymore you can donate it and bring joy to another person with this.

Now the active part of decorating starts. You can go around your home and place the items intuitively. Some elements belong together, match well & are placed beside each other. Some come in a bundle or group and want to stay next to each other. This is the approach I take and enjoy very much every year. Take your time, make a cuppa & put on some music for more joy! If you have family, you can all do it together, bond, have fun & enjoy.

Now, one last word about buying new stuff. I found out that I do not need to own a lot of things to be happy. Quiet the contrary. The more intentional I live my life, the more mindful I do my shopping & the happier I am. It is also true that you change, you evolve during your life. With this your belongings, which reflect your true self, naturally change too. So, if an item doesn't spark joy anymore, you let it go with gratitude. If it still speaks to your heart but you would like a different colour scheme this year, you keep it. I think it is perfectly fine to buy a few new decorative items every once in a while. Not every year the whole stack, but every now and then is fine. Donate the stuff you will not use again & mindfully bring new things into your home that reflect the abundant and happy you.

Part 3: Celebrating

Celebrating special occasions. What is this really about? We can, as we did with the topics of shopping and decorating, sit down in peace and quiet & contemplate. At its heart, celebrating is about honoring where you come from, spending time with loved ones & appreciating life.

Celebrating your roots can mean honoring your culture, your family, and you can start new rituals for yourself and, if you have a family, for them as well. To celebrate a certain festivity includes planning and preparation beforehand. This naturally comes with excitement and pleasant anticipation. Stress and perfection are not needed. More so, celebration is meant to be a joyful part of your life. A felicitous party is what we are all looking for.

Envision the Atmosphere

So, how can this look in detail? Begin by envisioning the atmosphere you would like to create. By this, I mean the atmosphere for all senses: the light, the music, the scents, the decoration and the food. According to your joyful image of a get-together, you can put these elements in place ahead of time. Thoughtful preparation allows you to arrive at the moment more relaxed and present.

Needs, Wants & Expectations

Think about the needs and wants of yourself and if you have guests, about theirs too. These can be incorporated in a loving and natural way. One person might need to rest in between. Make sure there is a suitable place for them. Which one of your guests is a born entertainer? This person can hold a funny little speech before the meal. Another can perform something. Will there be children? They need space to move and play.

Expectations might be high for events like this, especially when traditions or family dynamics are involved. It helps to be aware of these expectations and to be clear about what is in your hands and what is not. Letting go of what you cannot control creates space for ease, peace of mind & space for real connection.

The Party

Aligned with your dream version of the party you create the menu. The preparation of the food is part of the festivities. You can get some dishes ready beforehand, so there is less stress on the day of the celebration. You and your guests can cook together once they arrive. This is a beautiful and bonding way to start the bash. Or each person can bring food and with this you share your favourite meals. This creates a feeling of togetherness long before the event begins.

You may choose to honor old traditions or gently introduce new ones that feel more aligned with who you are today. There is no right or wrong, only what feels meaningful and nourishing.

During a celebration, togetherness and joy take center stage, not rigid schedules or perfectly planned routines. Perhaps a walk feels just right, or listening to music and dancing freely. Watching a film or creating something together offers a beautiful way to slow down and include a quieter moment. If you have guests, playing a board or card game together can be exactly what brings joy and everyone closer.

All of these moments create memories that go far beyond perfectly set tables. Often, it’s the simplest activities that bring the greatest joy and stay with us as truly meaningful shared experiences.

What matters most is allowing yourself to be present. Let go of the idea that everything has to look or feel a certain way. Celebrating isn’t about impressing others; it is about sharing time, laughter & love.

When we approach celebrations with intention, kindness & flexibility, they naturally become what they are meant to be: a reflection of love, of life & of connection.

Wishing you a gentle December & beautiful celebrations, Gesa

photocredit: Anastasiia Rozumna  / unsplash.com