I cannot quite believe that the end of 2021 is already upon us. Although many of you may be in agreeance that the end of this year cannot come soon enough, is it just me or does time seem to accelerate each year that we age?
When I was little, Santa came but once a year on Christmas eve, and then there was a WHOLE year before he made his visit again. But as an adult, it never ends! As soon as spring rolls around subtle hints and Christmas decorations start landing in stores, until Halloween, after which it just totally explodes. Then you have the after Christmas sales where the bargain hunters gather to get supplies ready for the next year. Those don’t really die down until Easter, and almost as soon as that has passed, the end of year financial sales and toy stores start advertising layby now for Christmas, and it's all on from there.
Luckily, I love Christmas and this time of year makes me happy. I love planning the perfect gift for my friends, carefully wrapping it and watching the joy on their faces as they open the surprise. Many people think it is frivolous to buy gifts for one’s friends at Christmas. They are so weighed down by the pressures of cooking and hosting and buying gifts for family, not to mention the secret Santa at work, that they forget that gifting is a love language.
It isn’t the size of the gift, or the expense, but the thought that went into it that counts. If you know your friend loves lemon squares but they have allergies and can’t find any they can enjoy, and you find a recipe hidden on the internet and make it for them, that demonstrates that you listened. You knew what they loved and you spent time considering their wants and needs then went to the effort of making it for them. That is love.
If you know that your friend loves designer bags and you find one in a charity shop in good condition, that is just as meaningful as buying it new, because you had to search for it and keep your friend in mind.
This is my first December post this year. So this is the time to make a list of your friends and pop down some idea’s of what you could get for them that would make them feel loved and appreciated. It might be as simple as a jar filled with notes outlining all the reasons that you love them, to something as elaborate as a treasure hunt for a friend who might be alone and lonely on the day itself. Some people like to give a matching diary or calendar (or a personalised one) with 12 catch up dates already pre-planned in each one – the gift of time.
Now is also the time to start jotting down some nice sentiments you can write in their cards too, another way of putting a little more effort into things and personalising the experience. It doesn’t have to be all soppy if that isn’t their (or your) style. It can be a few jokes or memories that make you both smile, because the real gift is cheer!
It is definitely the time to start planning any get togethers you want to plan this month. Start looking at your schedule and reaching out before everyone gets too busy. It doesn’t really matter if you catch up in the first week of December or mid-January, but put those plans in place and make it happen. Even if it means breakfast when you are not a morning person or a late night when you need to be up early for work or with the kids. You have to make the time, make the sacrifice, it is worth it!
I hear you all thinking you would love to have the time. Sighing collectively from your respective houses all over the world! Haha But here is the thing. You do have time. You have a whole month. You have those late nights you are up scrolling to scroll for ideas. You have to find time and or make time. And as the real Christmas spirit is giving, I promise this effort is a reward in itself. You will be just as excited to give the gift as you would be to receive one.
Even if all you have gifted your friend is a gift card, because it is honestly what they would want or need, find a fun way to present it to them. Lots of boxes inside of boxes. Or a riddle that takes them to the next spot where a different riddle is located until they find it. Or a joke like hiding it inside a sex toy box to give them a giggle.
Effort is meaningful. It creates connection. It starts with thought, so this is the time to start thinking and planning!
Don’t forget to share your ideas!!!
❤ Love,
Your Best Friend ForNever
xx
