Christmas cheer & compromise
Hands up if you love Christmas? I’ll join you in that! It’s one of my favourite times of year because it evokes cherished childhood memories, such as dressing the tree, spending time with family and the beginning of the summer holidays.
Hands up if Christmas is something that you dread?
My partner Simon is in that camp. He’d much rather skip Christmas and go camping, which is exactly what we will be doing this year.
We’ve reached a compromise. On alternate years we each get to choose how to spend Christmas
Day, and it’s his turn this year.
However, what I’ve learned is it doesn’t matter where you are.
It’s still a day about spending time with good people, and that is the most important thing.
New Zealand eco-luxe fashion designer Maggie Hewitt of Maggie Marilyn agrees. In this issue she shares her tips for sustainable gifting and channelling Christmas calm in 2020 because it’s been a challenging year for most.
COVID-19 has made us all look at things from a different perspective and Christmas 2020 is no exception.
It’s something we can look forward to after a tough year but equally it shouldn’t be something that we stress over, and overextend ourselves financially for.
Hewitt shares some great tips for making more mindful choices on page 20.
If you are lacking ideas this festive season, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Caralee Fontenele has created a Christmas tapas menu especially for this issue of Good. You can find these easy and delicious recipes on pages 72-77.
For gift ideas turn to the Thoughtful Gift Guide on pages 101-107. Or embrace your inner crafter and create a circle of happiness this season by making a wreath using paper and paint (page 60); make your own tree decorations (these also make beautiful gifts) on page 56; and learn how to wrap gifts with reusable fabric furoshiki style on page 58.
You may have noticed the format of this issue has also been subtly refreshed.
You’ve also told us you want more wellbeing content so we’ve delivered and would love to hear what you think? After all, this is your magazine too.
Merry Christmas!