The holidays are squarely upon us. If there is any doubt, just go to any local retail store and observe the displays. It seems that Christmas promotions start earlier and earlier, and that means that holiday-related stress and anxiety can start earlier as well. The consumer culture around Christmas can often make us feel like the only way to show our loved ones that we care for them, is to buy them a really nice, expensive, and tangible gift. Just remember, the love that you give or receive should never be tied to a material gift. Here are a couple suggestions on how to navigate gift-giving around the holidays:
* Set expectations for your loved ones early. An example of what this might sound like is, “It’s going to be a light gift-giving year for me. That’s just the reality of where I am and what I’m able to do without putting myself in debt. This is not a reflection on how much I love and care for you.”
* Give a homemade gift. Do you have any talents? Write a song, write poetry, make a craft, make food and package it cutsie. Homemade gifts are often really appreciated.
* Give a memento from your personal collection: a piece of jewelry, a book, or a meaningful sweatshirt.
* Shop at thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay for a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to purchase goods.
* Give a gift certificate for your time and skills. “1 free massage” “1 night of babysitting” “1 kitchen deep clean.”
If any resident needs more help or support around this topic or anything else, please reach out to me directly rachel@joinbastion.org HAVE A SAFE AND JOYOUS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION!