How to give mindfully this holiday season?
Here are three simple steps to giving mindfully this season. To give mindfully - with intention, connection and care.
Step 1. Make Time
Sit down with a cup of tea or your beverage of choice, and brainstorm. It is a lot easier to come up with creative, fitting gifts by simply taking time to consider all the possibilities for that one person.
Going to a store and being limited by what you see can easily pressure you to buy something from the limited selection in front of you that doesn’t necessarily fit the gift recipient.
Write down the person’s name. What are their favorite hobbies? Does their home share something about their personality or style? When in doubt, consider giving a local experience (museum or event), magazine subscription (something we don’t get a lot of these days but tend to enjoy), a local food item to them or you, or even better – something homemade!
Tune in and take care.
Be kind to yourself.
Have fun.
Trust it will work out as it should.
Step 2. Plan Ahead, Act Early
Now (beginning of December) or earlier is an excellent time to get started. With supply chains clogged, it is more important this year than ever to start early.
Carve out time this weekend to turn step 1 (brainstorming) into action. Whether it is getting out on the town to local stores or craft fair, allot adequate time so that you can shop without pressure. If you are able, get to the store early (when it opens). Less crowds = less energy, makes for a calmer experience.
Step 3. Be flexible
Perhaps you came up with the perfect gift idea for a loved one but then…you can’t find it. It is out of stock and can’t be found anywhere. Giving mindfully is to pay attention to how you are feeling in the process of buying and gift giving.
How would the recipient feel if they knew you felt anxious, frantic or stressed in trying to get them a gift? If you are feeling any of these things or another uncomfortable feeling, take a pause. Take a break. Start fresh the next day.
You can always save your amazing gift idea for another occasion or year. Sometimes the universe has a funny way of helping us get the right thing for that person. Don’t fight the gifting process.
Tune in. Take care. Be kind to yourself. Have fun. Trust it will work out as it should.
Photo Credit: Photo by Leone Venter