Already feeling holiday stress? Join the club.
Keeping up with what to buy for everyone on your list has never been more challenging. And figuring out what a) someone doesn’t have b) they’ll appreciate and c) you can afford can easily turn into a full-time job.
Here’s a simple way to slash time you spend in the stores, as well as add meaning to your holiday celebrations.
Shop at home. I’m not talking about shopping online. I mean scouring your closets, your bookshelves and cabinets for items that are/have been meaningful to you and to those you love. And then, turning those objects into meaningful gifts.
Your home is full of treasures.
There are certainly things you think of as family “heirlooms” that you’re planning to pass down. Why wait? Is there a special piece of your jewelry that you’ve been saving to give when you’re gone? Why not give it to her now? Maybe there’s a certain piece of furniture. A painting. A vase. Or even just some little thingamajig that’s been on your shelves so long you don’t even see it anymore.
Use the time you would have spent shopping to discover what holds meaning for the people you love.
You may be surprised to find that something you hardly think about holds great sentimental meaning for someone in your family. You can ask casually, such as
“I’m thinking about downsizing. Is there anything here you’d want?” Or, more directly: “I want to give you something meaningful from the things I have. What would you like?”
It’s the thought that counts.
When it’s gift-giving time, wrap up the object as you would any gift. Then, to give it extra meaning, include a card that gives the back story about where you got it, what it’s meant to you, and why you wanted this person to have it.
In addition to giving a one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing the next generation appreciate it as well.
(And the fact that you saved money, time and energy in choosing it is an extra bonus!)
Gifts of appreciation — given with love, and received with joy.
If you have the feeling that you “have” to buy something, just remember that most of us have much more than we need. Have way more than we use. And much too little room to store it.
Giving from your home is really about giving from your heart. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
My gift to you: A complimentary 30-minute consultation to help you get your home organized for the holidays! Let me know if you’d like to find out more!
