Giving with intention
Christmas is a beautiful time of year, filled with love and good intentions. But it’s also easy to let ourselves be wrapped up by the mad rush of activity and consumerism that can accompany the season. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find this can detract from the true spirit of the holidays. So this year, I’m trying to ensure that sharing gifts with my loved ones becomes a conscious act of gratitude and acknowledgement.
I thought I’d share with you some ideas about giving with intention this Christmas!
Give something handmade
There’s nothing more special than receiving something that’s been made by the two hands of someone close to you. For me, this is pretty obvious - jewellery of course! A delicate pair of earrings, or something with a turquoise stone (its power is said to increase if given as a gift) are perfect choices.
But you don’t have to be crafty yourself. Buying something that’s been handmade by someone else, but picked out especially for the recipient, can be just as lovely. A dear friend of mine recently brought me back a handmade bracelet from his trip to Kenya for my birthday, and even though I make plenty of my own bracelets, it’s something I will always treasure because of both the work and the thought that went into it.
Gift an experience
Sometimes time is more precious than money. For a friend’s birthday this year, I took her on a trip to Dorset, to visit Durdle Door which we’d been meaning to see together for over a year. We both love a good roadtrip and we still talk about the fun we had that day!
Is there something you and your loved one have always wanted to do together but haven’t had a chance? Try to take the opportunity to make memories together - something that will last in your hearts long after the flurry of Christmas fades. Surely this is one of the greatest gifts any of us can ever give.
Go back to the beginning
Think about the things that represent your story together, and what you and your loved one have in common. Is it the love of a cheesey 90s boyband while you were at school? A favourite author that you both love to read? Or a tea break tradition every day at 3pm? Going back to a special moment that you've shared or still share together can make for a very meaningful gift.
Have a think about the gifts you've received over the years - chances are that the ones you remember most aren't the big or expensive ones, but the ones imbued with love and good intention. I'd love to hear your ideas for giving with intention this Christmas - do share them in the comments section below, and have yourself a joyful festive season!
Leila x