The christmas gift most worth giving can be free

I love Christmas.  There I've said it.  I've been lucky enough to have wonderful memories of the day spent with loved ones.  I love the food and the giving and the nana nap with a tummy bursting at the seams.  I always feel content and happy on Christmas day.  Now that I've grown and have my own child who has the innocence still surrounding Christmas, it really is a magical time of year.  It really makes me sad that you hear all the time, "Oh I'm too busy for Christmas" or "I can't wait for it to be over".  I think the pressure people have come to put on the giving at Christmas is to blame, wouldn't it be great if there really was a big fat man who came down the chimney and left us a barrel load of presents!?  

Christmas is so different now compared to when I was young (oh my god! Did I just say that....)It was all about the presents and being huddled around the tree taking turns opening them.  I remember having to wait and wait for that special something I desperately wanted Santa to bring.  There is one Christmas I remember vividly, I think I was around 6 or 7 years old. I ran down the long hall to the lounge room, around the corner and to the tree and was sadly disappointed there was no pretty pink bike with glittery tassels hanging from the handle bars.  But then, Mum said, whats that behind you? And there it was.  My bike. Today our children don't have to wait for a thing and I've been guilty as charged.  Roll on 20 years and thanks to Mr.Mastercard, Australians will reportedly spend upwards of 700 million dollars.  I don't know about you but my stomach just flipped.  And sadly to make it even scarier, it will be on a huge number of unwanted gifts given by well meaning family and friends.  Do you even remember what you got last year? 

I'm quite old fashioned when it comes to Christmas, I still prefer to hand write Christmas cards and sending a text or emailing is fine as well.  But its cards that really make if feel like Christmas.  Having my mantle heaving under their weight warms my heart, and to consider having it bare would make me sad.  Not that I count them or hold a grudge for not getting them off friends, its more a feeling they give me as a Christmas tradition.  I've an old work colleague who I actually haven't seen in 17 years but we exchange cards every year at Christmas.  I'd be so disappointed to not get his card if one year he decided to stop, I'd still send it.  My nan exchanges  a Christmas card with a man in Italy who she met as a teenager during wartime in Australia.  Its just a lovely thought that at this time of year it doesn't matter that you haven't seen nor heard from loved ones or dear friends but its the Christmas excuse of the card that allows all to be forgiven. This year I did think of forgoing the tradition, but I just can't.  I enjoy the ritual of sitting down and going through the motions.

This year I've down sized the amount we spend at Christmas and it really hasn't been that hard.  Its not just because I'm being a tight arse either. Nor is it with much thought about landfill waste or our carbon footprint. I've focused on instead on replacing thoughtless gifts given for the sake of it with thoughtful gifts. No, I don't mean being a Scrooge or dare I say it regifting! If you have been reading my blog you will have seen some of what I'm making my loved ones in the way of edible gifts but one thing that is free that I'm doing for my closest family is an appreciation letter.  

When you think about it, all anyone wants is to be truly valued and felt appreciated and loved.  To be told is very foreign to many of us and to actually take the time to sit and write a few words about a loved one and why you cherish them is really a beautiful thing.  I will admit to feeling a little dorky writing it down but I remember my hubby and I did it for our Wedding anniversary this year and it really felt wonderful as both the giver and the receiver. It can just be added to the poor forgotten left hand side of the Christmas Card that is always left blank or on some paper that can be saved and read over and over again. It may be free but its value and warmth will be priceless.

Would you consider doing an appreciation letter for a loved one this year?  Have you ever been guilty of regifting?   

Ciao, Jan.
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This post is dedicated to my dear friend Robyn who sadly lost her mother a week ago.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. 

Much love Jan xxx