With Christmas fast approaching and the present hunting madness already being in full swing I decided to take a step back and reflect on the stress we put ourselves under, on an annual basis, in the search for the most perfect, most expensive or extravagant Christmas present for our loved ones... I can’t help but feel as though the actual purpose of the holiday season has gone missing somewhere between price tags, pretty wrappings and the search for the most thoughtful Christmas cards...
Actually, this post was supposed to be a guide for ethical and sustainable presents you could get your loved ones this year, but as I was putting together a list of all these really cool items I had changed my mind half way through. (Fear not, I will post them over time nonetheless, just because I feel that innovative products and organisation should always be supported, but it would be wrong to promote thoughtful consumerism in the name of Christmas shopping).
I just feel like it is more important to take a step back and remember that this special time of the year really shouldn’t be about tangible and expensive presents, but about appreciable and valuable presence instead. The most precious thing one can give is time. And with that I am not talking about just being physically present at the coffee table with your family, but being present with your mind and heart as well. Put your phone away, even better- switch it off completely. Listen to what your loved ones have to say. Cherish the time you are being given. All to often we forget the importance of being mindful and really there, in a moment with the ones you love. Yet, it is one of the best feelings and I guarantee it leaves you filled with more joy and positivity than any social media likes or fancy presents in the world could ever do.
Nevertheless, sometimes it is hard for us to show the people who matter the most how much we value and appreciate them, and sometimes a gesture says more than words ever could. And while I highly advocate the artistry of writing letters to speak one's mind, a little present is probably never a wrong call, but how about only getting presents that you feel are useful for them, that mean something to the both of you, instead of just getting a present for the sake of not being empty handed under the Christmas tree.
All I am saying is that the Christmas the industry is trying to sell to us, isn't the Christmas we should be buying at all! So instead of running into the next electronics or high street fashion store to get the most expensive or fancy but completely impersonal gift, try to remember that people might forget what present you gave them this year pretty soon, but they will surely never forget how you made them feel.
Merry Christmas x