I usually get lost in Christmas.

The shopping is especially whirly for me.  I ask my children for lists, ideas, and then I set about buying most of the things they think they need, as if Christmas is the only time I will ever be able to buy them new socks or a cozy sweater.  I’m one of the few women on the planet that does not enjoy shopping, so Christmas shopping can be extra yucky.

My oldest never sends me a list.  She always says, “Just surprise me.”

I’m trying new things lately.  Sitting in the other chair, lying on the floor, looking at my pieces differently.  I’m re-evaluating my methods in the hope that I can allow more happiness into my life.  This year I thought I would try “just surprise me” for everyone.

I didn’t ask for hints and I wasn’t accepting lists.  More than anything, I wanted to avoid all of it feeling like a chore.  This year I approached my Christmas shopping looking for gifts.  Things that I thought people would like.  Things I wanted to buy for them.  Gifting, not grocery shopping.  I hope they are also things they will like, maybe even need, but I bought them as a gift, a surprise.

I picked out colors, styles, things I liked for them, things I thought would look good with someone’s eyes, or fit perfectly in their spaces.

Gifting, that’s what I’m doing this year and it feels different.  It’s lovely really.  Doesn’t feel like something to check off or something to find.  There are no rules this year, criteria, and I think I have stumbled onto something.  What a difference it has made.  I will gift, let myself choose, every year from now on because it’s fun.

My loved ones could end up with something they may or may not like, but they will know it came from me.  I chose it for them, because I thought of them, and that seems special.

My thoughts from the laundry room.  Nestle In.

Christmas fun life love meaning shopping Christmas Christmas shopping culture gifts life shopping thoughts