the fresh perspective...

There is no denying that the holiday season is largely about giving and receiving gifts. At least in our part of the world. Whether we like it or not, society seems to shove it in our face, everywhere we go, as soon as November 1st hits. As much as we all know that these holidays did not originate this way, this has been the portion of these holidays that we have latched onto and emphasized.

Sure, most of us have very fond memories of opening gifts or wrapping presents for our family and friends. I would have to call bluff on anyone who tried to claim they hate the gift part of the holidays. But can we still enjoy the season sans presents?

There are definitely many other magical parts of the holiday season. Walking through your neighborhood with some hot chocolate to check out all the lights, a big fat feast with all your favorite humans, those classic holiday songs that bring back all the nostalgia, the list goes on. Seeing a tree with gifts underneath does instill a feeling of excitement but at the end of the day, is never the best part of the holidays. If I had to choose between watching Home Alone and giving up gifts, I would choose Kevin McCallister every time.

Memories with humans and nostalgia from those memories are a feeling that can never be replaced by receiving an object. I’m not trying to convince anyone to give it all up but we do tend to get a little carried away. Try choosing an activity to do with your loved one in lieu of purchasing something. Those memories will last way longer than an Apple Watch.

-the fresh perspective

The fresh perspective

So here we are again. Somehow it’s the end of 2018 and we are approaching another holiday season. It seems like the stores start promoting decorations and holiday deals earlier every year. Even though we know this is just a marketing tactic to get you to start buying gifts earlier, it can be a good reminder to get a head start on your shopping.

December can be a hectic month as it is. On top of your holiday shopping, you may have parties and get togethers which can be tiring. Squeezing some shopping into all of that can become quite stressful. Step foot into any mall after December 1st and you will see the evidence of that. Malls do not become more cheerful amongst these festivities. People. Get. Cray.

Thankfully we are now living in a world where you can do most of your shopping online in your own home. No need to stand in line or talk to a single person. You can even get your gift wrapped and shipped directly to the person you are purchasing it for. Even though we are not American, Canada seems to have embraced Black Friday as a “holiday.” The timing couldn’t be more perfect for your holiday shopping. It gives you enough time to order online and get your goods before the holidays.

Take a browse on Amazon or Etsy this week to get some inspiration for your holidays gifts. Avoid the malls at all costs if you can help it. The holidays will be here before you know it and nobody needs that extra stress this time of year!

-the fresh perspective…

the fresh perspective...

How much is too much? How do you know when you have let yourself be overcome with 'stuff'?  During this season of giving and getting, it's a wonder we have space in our lives for the things we will be getting...

We go from shop, to boutique, to mall, looking for that perfect something to give the ones we hold the nearest and most dear to us.  We anticipate seeing their faces light up when they open their gift.  Something about that, I guess, is why we give.  But why must we give things?  Why do we fail to see that the gift of time-spent is something much more valuable?

Giving time instead of material things seems easy but let me tell you, it's harder than you think.  Even now as you read this, your mind has already traveled to all the places you need to be by the day's end.   All the things you need to accomplish before you sleep, gently nudge you through your day.  So to think that you would need to spend little or no money, but time, might be challenging.  Let's face it, it's easier to buy someone a gift than to give them four uninterrupted hours of your evening.

I'd like to challenge everyone this year to maybe give time as a gift.  This holiday, begin with one or two people.  Start small because your time is valuable as well and if your family or group of close friends are many, all your time will be gone.  That's the fresh perspective...

[polldaddy poll=6747140]