WRITTEN BY ALICIA KOCH, FOUNDER OF THE LEGAL BELLETRIST
As this time of year rolls around, the stores are suitably decorated with tinsel and twine, complimented by festive twinkly lights and sprays of snow. Mulled wine (or hot chocolate – with marshmallows – for the non-drinkers) is being served at Christmas markets, and a vast selection of cliched Christmas themed music is playing in every store you visit.
And you suddenly find yourself getting the festive cheer – as you usually do – as Christmas draws near. A smile decorates your face as you allow your mind to drift thinking about the upcoming festivities …
It’s the get-together’s, the catchups, the long lunches and “ooh I shouldn’t have had that second helping” dinners.
It’s the impromptu drinks with old friends and the hugs from aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews – a little longer and a little tighter as you haven’t seen them in a while.
It’s reminiscing about moments shared with loved ones lost during the year. Acknowledging that their place at the table will be missed – an empty seat where a smile once sat. You toast to them – wherever they may be.
It’s playing silly board games with your family – because only they can take your competitiveness. It’s wearing reindeer ears with your friends, because only they understand your quirky side.
It’s one drink too many and calling Ubers to get home.
It’s watching Love Actually for maybe the umpteenth time because it’s your “classic” Christmas movie. Shedding tears at the same spot every year.
It’s putting a bow-tie on your pooch or kitty, so they too look dapper for Christmas lunch. They’re part of the family after all.
You start to get a little excited because it’s well and truly Christmas!
And at that realisation, you find yourself with a list. After all, what’s Christmas without the gifts? Gifts for family and friends that seem endless, and you only have a few days left. The only things you know for sure (kind of) is that you need something sentimental for mom, something practical for dad, something suitably sporty and nifty for your husband or conversely something sparkly for your wife. Your siblings (if you have them) can each get a bottle of something alcoholic (and suitably priced) and your nieces and nephews (again if you have them) can each get the latest PS5 game.
It seems ok. You’re sure everyone will like them. After all – who doesn’t like a bottle of cognac (except for people who don’t drink cognac of course)?
But something feels a little off. Like you haven’t quite put your all into your gift list this year.
And then it hits you…
Stocking stuffers for the soul
The thing you love the most about Christmas is the time spent with those that mean the most. It’s making memories. It’s relishing the stories you all tell and the memories you all share. It’s about more than just the gifts – at least to you it is – it’s about the moments that touch your soul in a way that another bath product or bottle of whisky just can’t.
So instead of just a PS5 game you want to fill each nearest and dearest’s Christmas Stocking up with things that are more meaningful, like –
Something that’s better than caroling – nothing truly expresses an emotion like a melody. Why not stuff your spouse’s or partner’s stocking with a bespoke song that tells them exactly how you feel. Compose the lyrics, choose the genre, pick the singer. Make it truly special. Talk about a special memory or use a pet name only you know about. It’s a gift that the two of you can listen to for years to come. They can replay it, whenever the mood strikes and hey it may even become “your song” something you both sing along to on road trips. It comes from the heart, it takes effort and creativity, and it’s something that they will never forget. You can try Songfinch as a port of first call. Give the gift of song.
Pawcious prints on your heart – pets are often the heart of our homes and the centre of our lives. There are many of us that don’t have – for various reasons – children of our own and instead have fur-babies. These furry children are our family. Why not give your animal obsessed family member a way to immortalise their pawcious babies paws with a non-toxic paw print ink pad kit? Give the gift of immortality.
Gingerbread, cinnamon and chailiciousness – for the bakers in the family, why not gift them with a selection of spices that they can use to bake delectable Christmas treats? Not only does it provide them with something fun to do over the holidays, but it will also make their home smell of Christmas – delicious, warm, cinnamony, gingery goodness. It’s also a creative pursuit that can take stressed, heavy minds away from whatever is ailing them – and best of all – there is something scrumptious to snack on afterwards. Give the gift of spice.
Holly jolly blooms – for those with a green thumb (or even those who want to have a green thumb) why not gift them with seeds of an exotic or rare plant or perhaps their favourite plant or flower? They can plant them – whether in their garden or in a pot on their windowsill. Not only will it give them a sense of purpose but will also give them a sense of accomplishment throughout the year to come – watching something grow is so fulfilling. Give the gift of blooms.
A Beary Christmas – for those that have lost someone during the year, Christmas can be such a difficult, lonely time of the year. You obviously can’t bring the person back, but you can give them a little solace. If you’re able to, get a piece of clothing that the person who has now passed wore or another item that they were never without, like a lucky chain and make a memory bear – a teddy bear that’s made from the item of clothing or a bear that’s wearing the chain. Something joyful that they can hold onto. Something that they can have in their sight daily. Something that will bring a smile to their face. You can try any one of these memory bear makers that can help you craft a truly special bear marteddies; mymemorybears; infinitykeepsakegiftsuk; memorylaneboutiqueusa. Give the gift of a special memory.
We hope that the above soulful stocking stuffers have given you a few good ideas should you choose to go the sentimental route this Christmas. But know this – whatever you choose to give your loved ones, give it from the heart. Don’t be pressurised into spending more than you can afford – no one that cares for you would want you to get yourself into financial hardship over a gift.
Whichever way you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate) this Festive Season, we hope that you do so with merriment, with laughter, in good health and in high spirits.
We hope that you will be surrounded by those you care for and about and those that return the gesture.
We hope that you enjoy yourself, enjoy the company and have time to enjoy a moment alone – we know how overwhelming the holiday season can be.
We hope that you can get some rest to recoup and regather your thoughts and your energy – it has been a mixed bag kind of year, and everyone is tired.
Last but certainly not least – from both of us – we wish you a Holiday Season filled with love, good food, great company, lots of laughter and memories in the making!
We look forward to writing for you all again in 2025!
All our festive wishes,
Alicia & Frieda xxx
Click here to visit The Legal Belletrist website. Email: alicia@thebelletrist.com