This holiday season will without a doubt be different than we are used to, but in a way that makes it a time to hold a little closer. This is an opportunity to reconnect, safely of course, with our loved ones. By reaching out and treating each other with a little extra kindness, we can rekindle that special magic we felt as children this time of year. In the past, I have been inclined to say that what makes the holidays special is not the gifts or the extravagance, but the way that we choose to act. I still stand by that, but I also think that after the year we have all shared, anticipating the exchanging of gifts harms no one. I’d like to share some gift ideas for anyone like myself who wants to make the people in my life smile but has reached a wall of inspiration and feels disconnected from everything.
Recipe books
Food is a common unitor this time of year. Our gatherings come with fancy or not-so-fancy meals that we prepare and share together. For the person in your life who is always in the kitchen, or always asking you to tag along to the new spot that just opened, a recipe or cookbook is the perfect gift. When many places are rightfully closed or at limited capacity, give the foodie in your life the opportunity to try new things in the comfort of their own kitchen. It also doubles as the gift of quality time, because no doubt they’ll invite you to try it out with them. If you have the time, I recommend creating a book with recipes you’ve collected or created yourself. This will add to the value of the gift, as it is one of a kind, and if you handwrite it, you may just cause them to shed a tear!
Something green
The post-holiday season blues mixing with the persistent early darkness can make for some gloomy times. Plant some seeds of excitement in people’s lives by giving them the supplies to have a garden or other type of green space once the weather warms up. If they are someone who doesn’t have a lot of land, or doesn’t like to wait, there are plenty of indoor options as well. Garden centers and nurseries are always open, so check the status of your local ones to see what options they have available. There are lots of plants that do well indoors with little sunlight, snake plants being a great example. Show someone you value their time and attentiveness by giving them something to care for through a rather lonely time.
Candles
I don’t have much to say about candles – just that I never have and never will be mad about receiving a candle. There are so many different scents to choose from and they bring light and warmth to any space. My personal favorites are soy-based candles from local makers. The Makery in Durham, NH has a lovely stock of handmade candles by local artists, but if Durham isn’t close to you, check out the artsy shops in your area.
Monthly subscription box
What’s better than one gift? Twelve perfectly spaced out gifts for the next year. Subscription boxes both exist in and contain multitudes; there’s one for every person’s interest out there. Put a smile on your favorite person’s face, not just once, but continually for the rest of the year. The excitement we get from getting a surprise package in the mail is truly unmatchable.
Something to keep in mind
If you are able, I highly recommend trying to shop local this holiday season. Local businesses serve as vendors for local artists, bakers, authors, and so many more professions. The uniqueness of a gift from a small business comes with personalization for you during the shopping experience and the recipient of the gift. Shopping locally is a great choice for sustainability and giving a gift that has a special touch.
I hope that anyone reading this feels some peace in these upcoming weeks. This year has been challenging, but as we wind down and begin to watch the snow fall, I hope you start to see the challenges you faced culminate in a payout. Enjoy the time you have alone and with others. Take these last weeks slow and try to reconnect with what brings you joy. Do whatever you can to do that for others. Happy holidays!