| Contents may have shifted during flight. Well, here we are once more – getting ready to not go out. Again. As satisfying a feeling as slamming a revolving door. We are fast becoming crusty curmudgeons bound in this tormented seclusion, incapable of distinguishing between last week and the extinction of dinosaurs. But as they say, when one door opens – there will be cold air coming in. Which brings me to thoughts of opening doors to Christmas gifting, because if you haven’t already procured your offerings, it now may be a bit more of a challenge. But I am here to help – or at least offer my unsolicited opinions. |
| Here are some ideas that may not necessarily count as principles, but that you may find helpful in cutting costs, help local businesses, minimize packaging, and reduce non-consumables. Choose consumables instead of tchotskes. My personal choices – chocolate, a great Merlot, locally roasted coffee, chocolate, fine cheeses or craft liquors from a local distillery, and chocolate. Something homemade, handmade or local will have a story and thoughtfulness behind it, and you will have supported someone’s chocolate habit. P.S. Overcoming the pull of carbohydrates consumerism is a difficult challenge regardless of our stage in life. |
Think of experiences instead of clutter. Pre-paid tickets to a museum, ballet, or a spa-day would be nice, but given our present situation, think about a gift card for a delivered restaurant meal to enjoy immediately.
Make a donation to their favourite charity in their name.
Be of service – baby-sitting hours while parents go for a much needed walk – or nap. Have a cherished piece of art or picture professionally reframed. Paint some walls. Pot a plant.
Memories – and help– are far more valuable than dust-collecting items
| Or you could always consider getting your partner a nice bath mat, something you’ve wanted for years. |
Use recyclable or better yet, reusable, gift wrap. You don’t need shiny foil (not recyclable) with reindeer prints. Buy a bulk roll of brown craft paper and decorate it with simple twine or ribbon and a sprig of evergreen for a pretty touch. Or wrap in a new dishtowel and add ribbons. Reuse gift bags and boxes you have hanging around. |
Order from local or Canadian companies. Remember, companies are following you on the web and collecting data on everything you look at, search, briefly pause over, text or email. They know almost everything. They know (or have a good guess) of your financial situation and budget. They know how close you are to purchasing an item and how badly you want or need it. They know your postal code and adjust prices accordingly. You are rarely seeing the same price as someone else. Digital marketing is a mad genius. It’s slick and tricky and full of people who understand human psychology better than you do. Big Business – especially when online – is out to get every dollar they can.
https://www.naturebeewraps.ca/
Make items. For those us who can and love to make, or bake – these are always appreciated. Think of something and spend some time creating your jars or project for your loved ones. A pie left on a front porch is just right.
After all, can one really have too many face masks?
Have Yourself a Minimalist Little Christmas. As if there is a choice.
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