It's the most wonderful time of the year because it's a time to relax, slow down and spend time with those you love. From a recent adult's perspective (lol), I've noticed a lot of negativity can surround this time which definitely shouldn't be the case! Most importantly it is a celebration of the gift to the world - Jesus and what this represents is love, peace, and joy. So, this is exactly how Christmas should be celebrated, with loved ones, in a peaceful and joyful environment. To achieve this, only cook what you want and wouldn't stress you out, create your own traditions. If you are hosting, share the effort - make it everyone bring something for the meal, sharing is afterall showing love ey. Plan what you can order and pop in the oven, marinate food the day before, etc. Lastly, make sure you have lots of games and nibbles to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Now, gift-giving should never ever be compulsory, if you are like junior from Blak-ish and feel like you have no money to spend. Sis I feel you, luckily for me I've grown up in a family where material gifts have never been the be it or end-all to show we care or celebrate an occasion. So, you might want to think twice if you can afford to give presents if you can't, loved ones should never place unrealistic expectations on you. Don't get me wrong, we all love gifts, but it is never expected and appreciated even more when given. Growing up, we might get something just before or after, but we always celebrate with a meal and dessert. That seemed to do it for my siblings and I, the highlight of the day was my mum's speciality fried rice and also visiting extended family. This is the tradition my husband and I have carried on and we have dated for almost 10 years so it must work! I'll ask my siblings if they feel the same lol.
Over the years my siblings have kept that same spirit, trying to be together around the Christmas break and only getting things for each other if we can afford it. It's an amazing way to celebrate, but also a complete shock when I started working in retail over Christmas and realising the unrealistic expectation to buy the perfect gift was.
So, to help you on your little budget or maybe none, here are my ideas of what you can do or buy for your loved ones.
1. Quality time
Yes, it sounds cheesy, but time cannot be recovered, and when it is spent with people you love it is truly priceless. For this to count, it needs to be quality time- so you can't be stuck on your phone all day. Play board games, ones from your childhood that bring back great memories. For me, my husband, and siblings its monopoly and what - no one is crazy competitive, so the loser aren't sore ones. 😊
2. Customised kitchenware or utensil
Most foodies or self-proclaimed home chefs have an ever-going wish list of kitchenware and utensils. If they order from Etsy, not on the high street, amazon or other retailers with wish lists, you might be able to figure what's one theirs. Or you could get really good quality severing spoons for special occasions such as Christmas and get that engraved. Lovely wrapped and you don't need to break the bank!
3. Teapot or Cafeteria
If your loved one is a tea or coffee lover and young, they may have not invested in a lovely teapot or cafeteria so why not gift them with one. Up their tea or coffee experience at home with a new gadget to play with. There are loads of options for every budget and can be purchased from multiple stores such as Tx Maxx, Ikea, Home Sense, and Wayfair.
4. Another inexpensive gift to get loved ones who have a sweet tooth or just something different from the norm. There are loads of local traders and luxury retailers who have food items in giftable boxes or packages for you to bring along or post to friends and/or family. If your local area is known for a particular ingredient, search for small businesses that use it and post to those far away.
You can pair this with number 3, for example, tea leaves with the teapot or buy a speciality blend of coffee or even a luxury hot chocolate set for the chocoholic. if you've never been a good gift-giver, this might just be your year! It's not the money you spend but the thought - really! If you love shopping, this is also treating yourself too 😉
5. Food boxes/ hamper
It will be very silly for me to not mention my delicious sausage rolls, wouldn't it?! If you want to give foodies an unexpected snack and nibbles for Christmas. You can, with so many options to go with depending on where you live. I make sausage rolls boxes inspired by me growing up in Lagos, Nigeria with my mum's bakery. I started making this for my family and close friends, it became a regular demand that I turned it into a hobby business. This is made in Leeds and posted across the UK. Like me, there are loads of small businesses that offer similar items you can gift at Christmas. It is always lovely to support small businesses.
Most importantly, enjoy Christmas with those you love and don't place unrealistic expectations on yourself. Hope this helps you in your gift-giving this season. If you want some ideas for Kitchenware, have a look at my Amazon wish list.
Have a lovely Christmas! Share your ideas in the comment me know if you have any other ideas.
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