The festive season takes us away from our usual routine. It’s the perfect time to get together with family and friends, exchange gifts and enjoy delicious, hearty meals. Sometimes we even indulge in a few festive excesses! Taking a moment to plan these celebrations can be a great way to stay in tune with our values.
My tips for making the most of the positive energy this time of year brings:
Spread out the pleasure of the festive season by preparing for it at the beginning of December,
Give of yourself and
Keep it simple
Doing yourself good is above all doing good for others. Being attentive to others is a very effective way to stop navel-gazing and forget about your own problems. In practical terms, I’d like to suggest something very simple and affordable for everyone: the Christmas solidarity box. You prepare small gifts that you give to an association that looks after disadvantaged people. A cuddly toy, some sweets or a beauty product, for example, are little things that will always make people happy.
Pleasing someone and pleasing yourself at the same time – what a treat! It’s all about finding the right idea for the person of your choice and getting down to work. This year, I’ve chosen to make birdhouses and bird feeders from reclaimed wood. There are lots of tutorials on the internet and it’s not too complicated to do, even for the less resourceful! Plan ahead, as making your gift may require a bit of preparation.
The festive season is also a time to eat well, but also a lot! Every year, we tell ourselves that next year we’ll be doing less, given all the leftovers and the heaviness of our stomachs at the beginning of January! I’ve started to prepare menus for the days when we’ll be together as a family. We’re now incorporating a lot more vegetarian menus, without making it any less festive.
Christmas tree made from pallet wood
Making shortbread with the children, in the shape of stars, a Christmas tree or a snowman
Spend time together! A shared weekend, a joint show
Offer baskets filled with local produce
Don’t buy gift wrapping paper, but recycle your magazine or newspaper
Write a kind note and slip it in an envelope to put under the tree or on your guests’ plates
