Finding the Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List
Typically I LOVE to give gifts. It gives me such joy to find small little odds and ends over the course of the year, or hunt for treasures in little boutique shops I happen to stumble upon. But, this year with the move and surgery and recovery, the holidays have snuck up on me and I’m feeling myself stressed and rushed into finding the “perfect gift” for everyone on my list. So if you too are feeling the pressing anxiety of watching the days tick by on the calendar and still having no idea of what to get for someone - I’ll give you the same pep talk that I gave myself.
First, things first. Breathe. It will be okay. Second, take a nap, rest, and listen to your body. Next, remember giving a gift should be joyous and because YOU want to give a gift, not out of obligation.
And lastly, if you are like me, you avoid the mall AT ALL COSTS! (the parking, the crowds, the lines, and the high ticket items send me running the other direction). There is nothing that will send you spiraling and crank up your anxiety like American consumerism that fills big box stores this time of year. So, as best as you can, try to shop from small businesses this year. It will help relieve some of your stress and support a local business.
Christmas Gift Ideas to Support Small Businesses
As a small business owner myself, I love shopping small and supporting those with small businesses regardless of the time of year, but I know when you’re in a rush to finish the shopping list, Amazon and big box stores can seem easier.
So, I thought I would make it nice and easy for you by sharing a few of my favorite items that would make the perfect gift.
A small candle boutique that supports local schools, dance troops and the like. We helped a young dancer and her teammates cover their costs to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in NYC this year. These handcrafted gems smell AMAZING! So far pumpkin brulee is my favorite and I cannot wait to try the holiday scents!
I stumbled on this little boutique this fall in route to the post office. While they have multiple locations their shipping is relatively cheap and their all natural, handmade, vegan body products and shower steamers are my favorite! There are lots of options from which to choose.
It is only natural that I share clean crafted wine, coffee and merchandise! Speaking from experience, you will always need a bottle or two of bubbles to take to a last minute party, a hostess gift, or just because you want to curl up and watch Christmas movies. Trust me, our sparkling wines and our gift sets (shipping included) definitely fit the bill! You won’t be disappointed.
Winter and life’s stresses dry my skin out. Knowing that our skin is the biggest organ and wanting to be healthier, I met Juli Munro (aka the curan veda) recently. She is an indigenous woman who knows SO MUCH about plant based healing and women’s healthcare. Even if you just treat yourself to some of her oils, you will be so pleased with such a gift! Enjoy.
I stumbled across the elephant ornament in my social feed the other day. I love the story of how female elephants stand together to protect their sisters who suffer. It has such a profound story that I immediately thought about my women’s group: Women Empowering Women, and what a way to celebrate sisterhood and standing with one another through the good times and the challenges.
And if the person you’re gifting to would rather have an experience, do a quick Google search to see what concerts, broadway shows, small town theater productions, or just date night supporting a local artist.
Holiday Hot Apple Cider Recipe
As this time of year approaches, my family’s tradition of putting hot apple cider on the stove is the first sign of the season. I asked the kids this year what their favorite recipes and favorite cookies were (as we were planning our baking) and Eric said, “your apple cider is my absolute favorite.”
If you’ve known me since childhood you may remember my parents always having it on the stove as the aroma wafted through the house and was so inviting. Several years ago I received a text from a long time friend who wanted to recreate that vibe and needed the apple cider recipe. Believe me when I say, it’s just COMFORT IN A CUP. If you don’t like hot cider, that is okay, simply replace the apple juice with water and make an amazing potpourri for your house instead.
So, my gift to you is this special family recipe. I hope it brings you comfort and helps you to recall fond memories. If you do make it, I’d love to hear or see - so share your apple cider pics and stories!
Please know that you and your support are a huge gift, one that I am immensely grateful for. So thank you. May you and your loved ones have an amazing holiday season, living your best life, one magic moment at a time!
Hot Apple Cider
½ to 1 gallon of apple juice (100%), can be from concentrate if you need it to be
1 - 2 navel or valencia oranges, sliced
Handful of whole cloves
Handful of whole allspice
1 large or 2 small whole cinnamon sticks
(Optional) a little ground nutmeg or a whole nutmeg
Put all items in a large pot in the order listed. Bring cider to a boil and then turn down to simmer. Serve.
You can let it simmer for hours. You can drink this for a day or two. Sometimes I add a little water on the second day. We also often add a little dark or spiced rum to the bottom of our mug before we top with hot cider.
In case we haven’t met, I’m Rebecca. a spunky, Jesus- loving entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and wine enthusiast on a mission to help go-getter women cultivate a happier and more fulfilling life by establishing healthy routines with sustainable, high quality food, beverages, and nutrition supplements. I want to help you live your best life! Here are a few ways to get started:
Download my Dinner & Wine Pairing Guide full of 10 days of nourishing meals & their perfect wine pairings and an invitation to a slower, more intentional way of life.
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