Recently I bragged to one of my friends how this December will be the cheapest December in the last 15 years for me. No parties to attend, no new outfits needed, no hairdresser or esthetician appointments, no 30-Euro meals or 15-Euro cocktails, no concert or theater visits, no flights, no traveling, no meeting friends or family – basically a big “no” in front of every single activity I associate December with. With one exception: shopping. Little did I know last week how my otherwise minimalistic year will end up.
Here’s how it all started: since I am spending my three-week vacation at home in Frankfurt in solitude, I thought the least I can do, is to buy a couple of decorations for my home. The city looks really dark and sad without its usual Christmas market and lights, so in order to bring in some holiday feeling and keep myself happy, such decorations were an absolute must-have (btw, I still think that way). Since this is the first time I’ve decorated my home, I didn’t have a single reindeer or string light to pull out of my basement. “A small Christmas tree, a few ornaments, a candle or two”, I thought to myself. That’s all. No gifts needed as I don’t meet anyone and these days most people already have everything anyway, so no need to buy any extra crap. Sounded like a decent plan.
Then this happened: German government announced a new lockdown and basically everyone had two days left to make any shopping in non-essential stores. And as you might know, a fear of missing out on something is an amazing motivator! The stores were open all summer and fall, and I didn’t have a slightest interest to visit them. Now they close and I absolutely have to get there! I know there is such thing as online-shopping, but I wanted to handpick my holiday décor, and also, I didn’t want to wait for packages.
On my way to the city to local home goods store, I realized that décor is not the only purchase I have to make. I need some gifts after all! I had a few friends visiting me soon and I was also invited over to other houses. Going to visit somebody during the holiday season empty-handed – not an option! Also, how am I NOT going to ship some surprise-gifts to my family and friends abroad? And last but not least: I deserve a gift, too! Not being able to treat myself with a trip to home country this year, I wanted to splurge on something. Normally I am quite calculated and don’t make emotion-based purchases (I truly hate useless stuff around me), but I thought why not to treat myself with a few high-end skincare items? Shopping bags got heavier and heavier while my bank account began diminishing. Any regrets so far? A few (like the 17-Euro lip balm), but nothing major. So far, I am also 100% satisfied with my Christmas décor and it indeed makes me so happy.
How is it going: “Mission completed,” I dare to say. It seems like holiday shopping came to an end this morning. I actually had a plan to publish a completely different post today, but just before copying the text over to WordPress and clicking on “publish”, I realized I am still missing on some of the gifts. After slight panic, I ended up on websites like Amazon, Uniqlo, Etsy, Asos, Lavendaire and then again on Amazon. Hence, you got this spontaneous post instead :). Most of the presents are currently en route and I cannot comment on how I like them, however, I really hope they will bring some joy to people who will receive them. I know the trend today is perhaps purchase less items and gift more experiences (I am all for that!), however, with the entire Corona situation, the experiences are quite tricky to gift.
Let me know if you have experienced similar holiday panic. Prior to December I always convince myself no gifts, no useless items this year, but just before holidays, I ALWAYS feel such an urge to get my friends and family something. Do you think it is acceptable not to gift anything?
Light and love,
Liis
I have managed to keep my gift giving mindful for the most part, which means that throughout the year, if I see something that I know someone will love, I buy it and then gift it to this person on holidays or birthday. The only problem is, I often don’t remember where I put the bloody gift that I had purchased half a year ago (even worse if the gift is for a family member, because then you have to hid it in a really good place where no one – including yourself, will ever find it!) 😆
This is a great idea to avoid last-minute panic shopping and buying useless stuff! Thanks for sharing! My challenge would be that I usually want to gift the present right away, it is difficult to keep the “secret” to myself and not to share :). But I think I may try your approach next year!